Cooley

Evacuation warning remains near Lake Sonoma as crews fortify firelines

The Cooley Fire is burning south of Yorkville in steep, rugged backcountry near the Mendocino and Sonoma county line, divided into northern and southern operational branches. Over the last 72 hours, firefighters have conducted tactical firing operations and built containment lines to keep the flames west of Dry Creek and Highway 128. No communities face mandatory evacuation orders, and officials report no immediate threats to homes, structures, or critical infrastructure.

Evacuations and Closures

• Evacuation warning remains in effect for Zone 2A2 north of Dry Creek and the northern arm of Lake Sonoma near the county line (issued October 18).
• No communities are under mandatory evacuation orders (confirmed October 19).
• Residents are asked to avoid the Cloverdale Citrus Fairgrounds incident base to keep access clear for emergency vehicles (requested October 18).

Impact

CAL FIRE confirmed that no civilian or firefighter injuries and no fatalities have been reported as of October 18, and no structures have been damaged or destroyed. Heavy drift smoke has triggered regional air quality advisories across Sonoma, Napa, and Marin counties, leading officials to advise sensitive residents to remain indoors with windows closed.

Conditions and Outlook

Northwest winds will shift south-southwest and diminish on Tuesday, with increasing humidity and a chance of drizzle or light rain showers arriving by midweek. Morning marine layers and thermal inversions will continue to moderate surface fire behavior, though heavier timber and brush on steep slopes remain dry. Crews plan to maintain tactical firing operations and strengthen perimeter lines along the eastern and southern flanks.

Cause and Context

The fire ignited on October 16 after an authorized private prescribed burn on ranch land jumped a ridgetop road and escaped containment lines. CAL FIRE took command and initiated an official investigation into the incident as of October 19.

Official updates current through October 19, 2026.