Learn about DOE's response during the Sandy Fire in May 2026, including air monitoring efforts conducted during the blaze that burned near SSFL but did not cross onto the site.
Energy Technology Engineering Center
June 19, 2026
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The Sandy Fire quickly spread through the hills of Simi Valley last month, burning down one home and coming close to the boundary of the Santa Susana Field Laboratory (SSFL), where the Department of Energy (DOE) previously conducted liquid metals and nuclear energy research.
On the morning of May 18, DOE contractors noticed a plume of gray smoke just over a ridge near Area IV at the 2,850-acre former nuclear energy research and rocket engine testing facility, where the department operated the Energy Technology Engineering Center (ETEC) and is responsible for remediating remaining contamination.
The DOE team immediately initiated safety protocols and began monitoring the emerging Sandy Fire. All personnel were accounted for and safely left the site that afternoon.
SSFL remained closed through the weekend, as it was part of the evacuation orders issued by the Ventura County Fire Department.
Before departing the site, DOE ensured our existing network of air monitors was set up to continue collecting data, in coordination with our state regulators.
“We know the community has questions whenever a fire is close,” said Josh Mengers, DOE’s federal project director for SSFL. “Our priority is providing answers with the data collected from our air monitoring program.”
On May 22, once the fire was safely under control and no longer threatening SSFL, Mengers and some essential staff coordinated access to check on the site and gather the air monitoring data.
Fire crews had the Sandy Fire fully contained at 2,183 acres by May 27, 2026.
“We are immensely grateful to the incredible firefighters, whose tireless effort to establish and hold the fire break was exceptional, ensuring that the fire didn’t reach the site,” Mengers said.
Join the ETEC team for the next Community Outreach, Neighbor Notifications, Engagement, Collaboration and Training (CONNECT) Series community update tentatively scheduled for Aug. 12 to learn more about air monitoring data collected during the fire, response, safety protocols and lessons learned from the Woolsey Fire.
View more photos of SSFL during the Sandy Fire.
-Contributor: Melissa Simon