Thousands ordered to evacuate as Southern California wildfire threatens homes

Fire threatens homes in Simi Valley

The Sandy fire was reported just after 10am in Simi Valley, a city in Ventura county about 30 miles north-west of Los Angeles.

Air tankers and mutual aid have been requested to help battle the flames.

Officials issued mandatory evacuation orders for a large swath of Simi Valley and warnings for parts of neighboring Thousand Oaks.