Evacuations were ordered due to a wind-driven brush fire Monday that destroyed at least one home and produced thick smoke in Simi Valley.
The fire was reported in the area of Sandy Drive, where a thick smoke cloud was rising from the canyon area. At least one home has burned and flames were threatening more buildings in the area.
Evacuation orders and warnings were issued in the Ventura County community. A temporary evacuation point was established at Rancho Santa Susana Community Park 505 Los Angeles Avenue in Simi Valley.
The fire was estimated at nearly 200 acres. An area to the north of the fire was under a wind advisory until 3 p.m.
Details about a cause of the fire were not immediately available, but police told NBCLA that someone called authorities to report that he was clearing brush and struck a rock, possibly sparking the fire.
Water-dropping helicopters were over the scene.
Through May 12, Cal Fire reported 1,204 wildland fires statewide that burned 18,340 acres. Last year at this time, the agency reported 1,292 fires that burned 63,677 acres. The state’s five-year average is 1,855 fire and 21,969 acres.
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