"Voluntary evacuation" means that people are encouraged to leave a specific area willingly and on their own accord for their own safety, but it is not mandatory or required by law. Full definition
According to CAL Fire, Gov. Jerry Brown ordered mandatory evacuations for areas below the Thomas, Whittier, Sherpa and Rey fire burn areas last week, and multiple areas were under voluntary evacuation orders. (rismedia.com)
WHEN THE call for voluntary evacuations in northern San Diego County went out on Oct. 21 because of spreading wildfires, San Pasqual Academy (Escondido) coach Bob Manning didn't panic. (si.com)
His grandparents live in nearby Pollock Pines (where the fire allegedly began on purpose by a suspect in custody) and were on voluntary evacuation orders. (sportstarsmag.com)