A water tanker drops water while firefighters walk below, as the Sandy Fire approaches, Tuesday, May 19, 2026, in Simi Valley. (AP Photo/Caroline Brehman)
SIMI VALLEY, CA — Since it broke out Monday morning, the Sandy Fire has scorched nearly 1,700 acres of brush, destroyed at least one home and forced some 44,000 people to flee their homes.
Firefighters continued their efforts to battle the blaze on Wednesday morning, reaching 15% containment as they turned their efforts toward controlling the eastern side of the fire and preventing its spread toward the densely populated San Fernando Valley.
There were over 900 firefighters assigned to the blaze. Here's a look at some of their grueling work fighting the fire and the toll the blaze is taking upon the community.
Fire crews conduct an operation to control the Sandy Fire on Monday, May 18, 2026, in Simi Valley, California. (AP Foto/Ethan Swope)
A resident uses a smartphone as the Sandy Fire approaches, Tuesday, May 19, 2026, in Simi Valley, Calif. (AP Photo/Caroline Brehman)
Matt and Kim Brantley bring firefighters snacks and refreshments with their kids during wildfires, Tuesday, May 19, 2026, in Simi Valley, Calif. (AP Photo/Caroline Brehman)
A firefighter conducts a firing operation, as the Sandy Fire approaches, Tuesday, May 19, 2026, in Simi Valley, Calif. (AP Photo/Caroline Brehman)
A water tanker drops water while firefighters walk below, as the Sandy Fire approaches, Tuesday, May 19, 2026, in Simi Valley, Calif. (AP Photo/Caroline Brehman)
Fire crews roll out hoses at a cul-de-sac while battling the Sandy Fire Monday, May 18, 2026, in Simi Valley, Calif. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)
People run along a street as the Sandy Fire approaches a neighborhood Monday, May 18, 2026, in Simi Valley, Calif. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)
A firefighter hops over a fence while battling the Sandy Fire Monday, May 18, 2026, in Simi Valley, Calif. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)
A resident evacuates as the Sandy Fire approaches their houses, Tuesday, May 19, 2026, in Simi Valley, Calif. (AP Photo/Caroline Brehman)
Mayra Long looks from inside her home as the Sandy Fire approaches, Tuesday, May 19, 2026, in Simi Valley, Calif. (AP Photo/Caroline Brehman)
An airplane drops retardant on the Sandy Fire Tuesday, May 19, 2026, in Simi Valley, Calif. (AP Photo/Caroline Brehman)
Alex Martinez wipes his eyes near his house as Sandy Fire approaches, Tuesday, May 19, 2026, in Simi Valley, Calif. (AP Photo/Caroline Brehman)
Fire crews battle the Sandy Fire Monday, May 18, 2026, in Simi Valley, Calif. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)