Washington fire grows to more than 80 acres in Tuolumne County; downtown Sonora evacuated
A growing fire in Northern California’s Tuolumne County prompted officials to issue mandatory evacuation orders Thursday.
The Washington fire has burned at least 80 acres and was 5% contained, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
The fire was first reported Thursday at Golf Links Road and State Route 108, west of the small city of Sonora, state fire officials said.
“Extreme fire behavior and dry fuels created an aggressive firefight this afternoon,” state fire officials said. “Crews will remain engaged in structure defense and construct fire line throughout the night.”
Several areas, including all of downtown Sonora, have been placed under mandatory evacuation orders or evacuation warnings, according to the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Office.
There were media reports of structures having been destroyed, but officials were unable to confirm those losses.
Anyone who needs help with animals is asked to call (928) 287-5110 for animal control, authorities said.
Large animals can be taken to the Calaveras County Fairgrounds, 2465 Gun Club Road. Small Animals can be taken to Jamestown Animal Control.
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