USA Two fires rage in southern California
Two devastating fires are raging in the south of the US state of California. Northwest of Los Angeles, a forest fire has spread over an area of around 5.5 square kilometers in the vicinity of the city of Simi Valley, according to the fire department on Monday evening (local time). A fire on the island of Santa Rosa off the coast of California now affects around 59 square kilometers, according to the fire protection authority Cal Fire. Both fires were still uncontained on Tuesday morning US West Coast time.
19.05.2026, 09:03
19.05.2026, 17:45
SDA
Los Angeles prepares as a precaution
The so-called "Sandy Fire" broke out on Monday morning in the hills above the city of Simi Valley and was quickly fanned by strong winds. According to media reports, at least one house was destroyed. Evacuation orders and warnings are in place for several districts. According to the authorities in media reports, around 29,000 people were affected at times, compared to around 17,000 on Tuesday morning.
Precautionary warnings were also issued for parts of Los Angeles County, including Chatsworth and West Hills. According to the mayor of Los Angeles, Karen Bass, the flames are not currently expected to reach the metropolis of millions. Nevertheless, fire department resources have been deployed as a precaution.
The weather authorities had predicted so-called Santa Ana winds for the region - strong, dry winds that can drive fires quickly. According to the fire department, the gusts subsided somewhat in the evening. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
According to US media, authorities are investigating a report that the fire may have been started when someone hit a rock with a tractor, causing sparks.
Largest fire in the island's modern history
According to the Los Angeles Times, the fire on Santa Rosa Island off the coast of California is the largest documented fire in the island's modern history. The island, which is popular with campers and hikers, is part of the Channel Islands National Park and is known for its unique flora and fauna.
According to the US Coast Guard in US media, the fire may have been caused by the signal rockets of a stranded sailor. The 67-year-old was stranded on the island after a boating accident and was later rescued by helicopter.
Destructive fires a year ago
Two major fires with serious consequences, the Palisades fire on the western edge of Los Angeles and the Eaton fire near Pasadena and Altadena, destroyed more than 16,000 buildings and claimed the lives of 31 people at the beginning of last year. Strong winds at the time caused the flames to spread rapidly. The fire department worked for weeks to contain the fires.
