Home / Disasters and Accidents / Ventura County Evacuated: Wildfires Rage Across Southern California
Ventura County Evacuated: Wildfires Rage Across Southern California
20 May
Summary
- Thousands evacuated in Ventura County as wildfire burns over 1,300 acres.
- Multiple fires burning across Southern California, including one on an island.
- Governor secures federal grant for Sandy Fire response efforts.
Multiple wildfires are actively burning across Southern California, forcing thousands to evacuate. In Ventura County, the Sandy Fire has consumed over 1,386 acres, prompting evacuation orders and warnings. This fire, located south of Simi Valley, saw minimal growth overnight as firefighters worked to strengthen containment lines, with 5% containment reported as of May 19.
Meanwhile, the Burro Fire in Angeles National Forest, near Azusa, has burned approximately 30 acres with 20% containment. A significant blaze on Santa Rosa Island, east of Santa Barbara, has exceeded 14,600 acres and destroyed two historic structures, remaining at 0% containment as of May 19. High winds are expected to intensify activity there.
Governor Gavin Newsom announced that California has secured a Fire Management Assistance Grant from FEMA to support the Sandy Fire response. This funding provides a 75% cost-share reimbursement for eligible suppression costs. Air quality alerts have been issued for areas affected by smoke, with moderate air quality forecast for Ventura and Los Angeles counties.
