More than 17,000 under evacuation orders as Southern California wildfire threatens homes

SIMI VALLEY, Calif. (AP) — More than 17,000 people were under evacuation orders in Southern California on Tuesday as a wildfire threatened suburban homes.

The wind-driven Sandy Fire was reported Monday in the hills above Simi Valley, about 30 miles (48 kilometers) northwest of Los Angeles.

By Tuesday morning, it had consumed more than two square miles (five square kilometers) of dry brush and destroyed at least one home, according to the Ventura County Fire Department.

The flames were initially pushed by gusts that topped 30 mph (48 kph), but firefighters were aided by calmer winds overnight, said department spokesperson Andrew Dowd.

“We've made a lot of progress against this fire with those improved weather conditions,” Dowd said. Crews hoped to make further progress before winds increased again, he said.

The fire was 5% contained. The cause is under investigation.

Evacuation orders and warnings were still in place for several neighborhoods in Simi Valley, a city of more than 125,000 people that was shrouded in smoke as aircraft made water drops.

Meanwhile, firefighters were battling a 23-square-mile (59-square-kilometer) blaze on Santa Rosa Island, off the Southern California coast. The fire destroyed a cabin and an equipment shed and forced the evacuation of 11 National Park Service employees.

There was no containment as of Tuesday morning.

Santa Rosa, a popular destination for camping and hiking, is home to island foxes, spotted skunks and elephant seals.

A firefighter conducts a firing operation, as the Sandy Fire approaches, Tuesday, May 19, 2026, in Simi Valley, Calif. (AP Photo/Caroline Brehman)

A water tanker drops water while firefighters walk below, as the Sandy Fire approaches, Tuesday, May 19, 2026, in Simi Valley, Calif. (AP Photo/Caroline Brehman)

A firefighter works as the Sandy Fire approaches, Tuesday, May 19, 2026, in Simi Valley, Calif. (AP Photo/Caroline Brehman)

Firefighters battle the Sandy Fire Tuesday, May 19, 2026, in Simi Valley, Calif. (AP Photo/Caroline Brehman)

A helicopter drops water on wildfires, Tuesday, May 19, 2026, in Simi Valley, Calif. (AP Photo/Caroline Brehman)

A resident evacuates during as the Sandy Fire approaches, Tuesday, May 19, 2026, in Simi Valley, Calif. (AP Photo/Caroline Brehman)

A resident uses a smartphone as the Sandy Fire approaches, Tuesday, May 19, 2026, in Simi Valley, Calif. (AP Photo/Caroline Brehman)

Matt Brantley and his kids hand a firefighter a drink during wildfires, Tuesday, May 19, 2026, in Simi Valley, Calif. (AP Photo/Caroline Brehman)

A charred vehicle sits under debris during wildfires, Tuesday, May 19, 2026, in Simi Valley, Calif. (AP Photo/Caroline Brehman)

Matt and Kim Brantley bring firefighters snacks and refreshments with their kids during wildfires, Tuesday, May 19, 2026, in Simi Valley, Calif. (AP Photo/Caroline Brehman)

Inmate crews hike while battling the Sandy Fire Monday, May 18, 2026, in Simi Valley, Calif. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)

A helicopter drops water on the Sandy Fire, Monday, May 18, 2026, in Simi Valley, Calif. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)

Fire crews battle the Sandy Fire, Monday, May 18, 2026, in Simi Valley, Calif. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)

An air tanker drops retardant on the Sandy Fire on Monday, May 18, 2026, in Simi Valley, Calif. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)

Fire crews conduct a firing operation to control the Sandy Fire Monday, May 18, 2026, in Simi Valley, Calif. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)

LONDON (AP) — A power outage at a water treatment plant in south east England left toilets out of order and forced the closure of restaurants at Gatwick Airport on Sunday.

The airport, south of London, apologized on X for the inconvenience to passengers using both terminals.

SES Water said it was working to restore service after a power outage at its Bough Beech Water Treatment Works caused a drop in pressure and temporary water loss for some customers in Kent and Sussex counties.

The airport said it was providing bottled water, though some passengers disputed that.

Paul Lee, a passenger at the airport, said he had not heard a word about the shut-off or seen water bottles being distributed.

“For people who need to go to the toilet, this isn’t good,” he told the BBC. “I’m taking off soon, so that’s fine, but for passengers in a few hours, this will be bad.”

Michael Dugher, a former member of Parliament, said on social media that with bars and restaurants closed, passengers were sitting on the floor because of a seating shortage. He urged the airport to open those spaces to create more seating.

FILE - Passengers walk into the Departures entrance at the North Terminal of Gatwick Airport near Crawley, just south of London, on July 22, 2020. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham, File)