A wildfire burning in Ventura County surged to 1,385 acres as of 6 a.m. PT on May 19, with mandatory evacuations in parts of Simi Valley, road closures, home destruction, and school shutdowns as firefighters push toward containment.
The road signage changed fast in Simi Valley as a fast-moving wildfire barreled through Ventura County—forcing families out, closing roads, and leaving homes in its path.
Firefighters were battling a growing blaze in Southern California on Tuesday, May 19, after officials ordered mandatory evacuations in parts of Simi Valley. The fire had broken out about 11 a.m. one day earlier in Ventura County and continued burning roughly 40 miles northwest of Los Angeles.
By about 6 a.m. PT on May 19, the fire was burning 1,385 acres and was 5% contained, according to Ventura County’s latest online update. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said the wildfire had already torn through more than 1. 300 acres. and that it forced road closures while destroying homes along its path.
Simi Valley Unified School District schools were closed for the day. officials said. as crews worked and public safety teams coordinated next steps. “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 were also issued in the area. For residents needing a place to stay. an emergency shelter was available on May 19 at Rancho Santa Susana Community Park. 5005 E. Los Angeles Avenue in Simi Valley. Animal evacuation shelters were available as well at additional locations in Simi Valley.
The timing is tight and the message is consistent: evacuations are underway as firefighters press toward full containment and officials work toward bringing residents back later in the day. For residents looking for orientation amid changing conditions. officials directed attention to where the Simi Valley fire is located via a wildfire map.
Simi Valley wildfire Ventura County wildfire mandatory evacuations wildfire map Rancho Santa Susana Community Park shelter school closures California wildfire