Residents in Simi Valley are cleaning up ash and dust after the Sandy Fire burned through areas surrounding their neighborhoods earlier this week, leaving some homes intact but prompting widespread evacuations.
Luke Chapa returned to find his home still standing after being out of town when the fire broke out Monday.
The Sandy Fire continues to burn in Simi Valley, which has scorched more than 2,100 acres and destroyed at least one home.
"The house is still here and my wife and I are doing great," he said.
He spent Thursday clearing debris from his property, reflecting on the urgency of leaving when evacuation orders were issued.
"When you have to leave something and you don't know what to take ... it just doesn't matter anymore. You just get yourself, and your wife and maybe a couple pictures and that's it. The rest of it is replaceable," Chapa said.
Crews continue working to contain the fire, warning that conditions remain unpredictable.
"Fire behavior is erratic. Fuels that are unburned can become burned if there's a shift in wind so that's why these evacuation orders are still here in place. It's just for your safety and our safety as well," said Rico Stanley of the Ventura County Fire Department.
With Memorial Day weekend approaching, some residents who have been allowed to return home are focusing on cleanup and recovery rather than celebration.
"It's going to be a little different for us, just cleaning up. It's not like we're going to have the Sandy Fire barbecue. We already had it. We're just glad that our neighbors are doing well," Chapa said.
Fire officials say significant work remains before the Sandy Fire is fully contained
