Fire Forces I-5 Closure at Dunnigan, Evacuations Underway in Yolo County

A vegetation fire near Dunnigan has shut down southbound Interstate 5 in Yolo County, forcing evacuations across a sprawling swath of the region. The fire was first reported around 1:22 p.m. on Monday, and Caltrans has closed the roadway at the Dunnigan exit south of the Yolo-Colusa county lines with no estimated reopening time.

For anyone in the evacuation zone—which stretches from County Road 2 to County Road 6 and centers on the Dunnigan area—there’s no debate about what comes next. When Yolo County issues an evacuation order, it’s a lawful directive to leave immediately. This isn’t a suggestion or a precaution; it’s a mandate, and residents in the affected zone need to treat it accordingly.

The closure impacts one of Northern California’s busiest interstate corridors, a major artery connecting Sacramento to points south and west. A shutdown at the Dunnigan exit means significant traffic disruptions for commuters, freight operators, and anyone else relying on I-5 to move through Yolo County. Without a reopening estimate, travelers should expect extended delays and consider alternate routes if possible.

Yolo County residents in the evacuation area should stay alert to official updates from the Yolo County Office of Emergency Services, follow Yolo Alert notifications, and check with Cal Fire’s Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit for the latest on containment efforts. Law enforcement agencies including the Yolo County Sheriff’s Office are coordinating the response alongside city police departments across the region.

This is a developing situation. Whether you’re directly affected by the evacuation order or simply dealing with traffic impacts on I-5, keep your phone charged, check official channels regularly, and don’t wait if you’re told to go.