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Firefighters continued to battle a growing wildfire in Southern California on Tuesday, May 19, prompting officials to order mandatory evacuations in parts of Simi Valley.The blaze broke out about 11 a.m. one day earlier in Ventura County and continued to burn about 40 miles northwest of Los Angeles, forcing road closures and destroying homes in its path, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.As of about 6 a.m. PT on May 19, the fire was burning 1,385 acres and was 5% contained, Ventura County reported in its latest online update.The blaze also forced officials to close Simi Valley Unified School District schools for the day, officials said."Firefighters continue working toward full containment while public safety personnel are coordinating efforts to repopulate evacuated areas throughout the day," officials wrote.Evacuation orders and warnings have been issued in the area.An emergency shelter was available for those in need at Rancho Santa Susana Community Park, 5005 E. Los Angeles Avenue in Simi Valley on May 19.Where is Simi Valley fire? See map.Simi Valley animal evacuation sheltersAnimal evacation shelters were also available at the following locations.Simi Valley Animal Shelter, 670 W Los Angeles Avenue, Simi Valley, CA 93065Ventura County Fairgrounds,10 W Harbor Blvd., Ventura, CA 93001Simi Valley fire photosNatalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.
