Sandy Fire In Photos: A Fierce Firefight As Thousands Flee The Flames

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.

• Read the latest: Sandy Fire Races Toward LA County, Scorching 17k Acres And Forcing 44,000 to Evacuate

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.