Thousands were ordered to evacuate Monday as a wind-driven wildfire threatened suburban neighborhoods in Southern California. ____ This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors.
Fire crews conduct a firing operation to control 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)People run along a street as the Sandy Fire approaches a neighborhood Monday, May 18, 2026, in Simi Valley, Calif. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)The Sandy Fire burns vegetation on Monday, May 18, 2026, in Simi Valley, Calif. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)The Sandy Fire damages a property Monday, May 18, 2026, in Simi Valley, Calif. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)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)A man stands on a roof as the Sandy Fire approaches a neighborhood 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)Fire crews conduct a firing operation to control the Sandy Fire Monday, May 18, 2026, in Simi Valley, Calif. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)A firefighter hoses down hotspots at a property damaged by the Sandy Fire Monday, May 18, 2026, in Simi Valley, Calif. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)An inmate crew boards their vehicle after battling the Sandy Fire Monday, May 18, 2026, in Simi Valley, Calif. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)
The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.
