What is a red flag warning?
A red flag warning tells fire managers and the public conditions are favorable for fire starts and potentially explosive wildfire growth.
Authorities issued evacuation orders as crews responded to a fire burning near homes in the Simi Valley area on May 18.
The blaze was reported shortly after 10 a.m. near the 600 block of Sandy Drive. The initial personnel on scene described the blaze, dubbed the Sandy Fire, as at least an acre, with flames burning quickly, pushed by winds.
Authorities issued evacuation orders for Zone 32-35, an area roughly south of Royal Avenue, east of Madera Road, west of Edison Road and north of the Albertson Fire Road.
An evacuation warning, which means people should be prepared to leave but the threat was not yet imminent, was issued for Zone 31, an adjacent area roughly south of Madera Road, west of the Lake Park Drive and east of the Bard Reservoir.
For a map of evacuation orders and warnings, go to vcemergency.com.
Officials had called for a second alarm response. Equipment and personnel included engines, hand crews, dozers and multiple aircraft. Some of the personnel were needed to protect structures in the area, according to radio reports.
This story will be updated.
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