California secures federal assistance to support response to Sandy Fire in Ventura County

What you need to know: California secured federal firefighting funds to help suppress the Sandy Fire as evacuation orders are underway in Ventura County.

VENTURA - Moving swiftly to support local and state response efforts to the Sandy Fire, Governor Gavin Newsom announced Monday that California has secured a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to bolster the response to the Sandy Fire burning in Ventura County.

California is mobilizing resources to support Ventura County communities threatened by the Sandy Fire. This activation will ensure responders have the support needed to continue protecting lives and homes as dangerous fire conditions persist. We are deeply grateful to the crews on the front lines and urge Californians in impacted areas to follow guidance from local officials.

Governor Gavin Newsom

The fast-moving Sandy Fire ignited on May 18, 2026, just after 10 a.m. near Sandy Avenue in Ventura County. More than 1,364 acres have burned, threatening several communities in Simi Valley and forcing the evacuation of more than 10,000 homes - putting an additional 3,500 under evacuation warnings.

"Cal OES remains committed to ensuring Ventura County has the resources needed to protect lives, property, and critical infrastructure as firefighters continue to battle the Sandy Fire," said Caroline Thomas Jacobs, Director of Cal OES. "We are grateful to the firefighters and first responders working to help keep their communities safe."

The FMAG, which is provided through FEMA on a cost-share basis, will assist local, state, and tribal agencies responding to the fire to apply for 75 percent reimbursement of their eligible fire suppression costs.

Residents are urged to stay vigilant during this heightened heat and fire weather period. Californians are reminded to:

• Sign up for local emergency alerts to stay informed about changing conditions.
• Prepare a wildfire action plan, including planning evacuation routes and packing a go-bag with essentials.
• For more information on fire safety and general preparedness, visit Ready.ca.gov