Evacuation Advisements Expanded

Tuolumne County, CA — Sheriff’s Officials say the advisory evacuation now runs up the south side of Highway 108. The evacuation border has been expanded to Sugar Pine up through the community of Mi-Wuk along the south side of Highway 108.

Spokesperson Scott Johnson says, “Residents will be getting a 911 reverse call letting them know that they’re under an advisory evacuation. Again this is an advisement not a mandatory order.”

About a half hour ago, the advisory was issued to Sherwood Forest to the east entrance of Twain Harte down Highway 108 to Willow Springs and Soulsbyville. Highway 108 is open to traffic.

Black Oak Casino can not be accessed by anyone who does not live in Tuolumne City. They have canceled events, as listed here.

That is not the case in Tuolumne City where all access to the city is denied to anyone who is not a resident or a member of the Rim Fire emergency crews. The California Highway Patrol is manning road closures at all entrances into Tuolumne City and you must have proof you are a resident to enter.

Below are the additional areas under advisory evacuation areas:

• Tuolumne City
• Ponderosa Hills
• Pine Mountain Lake (other than Units 11, 11A and 12 which are mandatory)
• Camp Mather
• Berkeley Family Camp
• Hardin Flat
• Ferretti Road
• Clements Road
• Camp Tawonga
• Buck Meadows
• San Jose Family Camp
• Rainbow Pool
• Yosemite Inn
• Early Intake
• Evergreen Lodge
• Packard Canyon
• Spinning Wheel Forest Service Facility
• Cherry Creek Campground evacuated

The areas in the mandatory evacuations (Pine Mountain Lake Units 11, 11A and 12) include Hillcroft Drive, Yorkshire Road, Lake Spur, Clements Road, Cliffton Way, Neil Court, Hemlock Street, Woodside Way, Owl Court, Iris Court, Jimmersail Lane and Beaver Court.

Johnson they have not started using the reverse 911 system in Tuolumne City or Ponderosa Hills yet because the advisory evacuation notice is precaution at this time. However, they are recommending residents get prepare in the event a mandatory evacuation is ordered. Some streets in downtown Tuolumne City are shut down due to law enforcement activity in the area.

The only shelter open is at the Mother Lode Fairgrounds in Sonora. Red Cross officials tell us they have seen a stream of people coming in since the Pine Mountain Lake evacuations started. At about 8pm on Thursday, they had 90 people registered and anticipate more to come through the doors. They say many people came with their pets in hand.

If you need help to move your animals, Tuolumne County Animal Control is kenneling pets. They can coordinate places for livestock to go. You can call them at 209-694-2730. Also, the Sherriff’s Posse Fairgrounds are taking in horses. You will need to bring your own water bucket and feed. Temporary pens can be hooked up to the arena as well. You can call 209-532-8269 or 209-559-1323.

Update: Fire Progression Map on Mariposacounty.org