Over 17,000 Under Evacuation Orders As California Wildfire Threatens Homes

The evacuations come as the wind-driven Sandy Fire was reported in the hills above Simi Valley, around 30 miles from Los Angeles.

Over 17,000 people are under evacuation orders in Southern California this week.

The evacuations come as the wind-driven Sandy Fire was reported in the hills above Simi Valley, around 30 miles from Los Angeles.

The flames broke out on Monday and by Tuesday had already consumed more than two square miles of dry brush and destroyed at least one home.

The fire has been 30% contained and the cause is still under investigation. Firefighters are working to battle the flames that have now burned over 2,100 acres.