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

More than 17,000 people are under evacuation orders in Southern California as a wildfire threatens suburban homes.

The wind-driven Sandy Fire was reported on Monday in the hills above Simi Valley, about 30 miles north west of Los Angeles.

By Tuesday morning, it had consumed more than two square miles 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, 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,” Mr Dowd said.

Crews hoped to make further progress before winds increased again, he said.

There was zero containment. The cause is under investigation.

Evacuation orders and warnings were still in place for several neighbourhoods in Simi Valley, a city of more than 125,000 people.

Meanwhile, firefighters were battling a 23-square-mile 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.

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