- The Dove Fire in Sonora (Tuolumne County) is now 55% contained after burning 226 acres.
- Most evacuation orders have been downgraded to warnings; some areas remain under evacuation warning.
- Officials confirm damaged and destroyed structures within the fire perimeter; inspection details pending.
- Over 600 firefighters, 62 engines, and 19 hand crews are on scene; a federal grant has been secured.
- Residents in warning zones should remain cautious and ready to leave again if conditions change.
The Dove Fire, which ignited in the hills southwest of Sonora near Yosemite, has reached 55% containment as of the latest update from CAL FIRE. The blaze, which burned 226 acres, prompted evacuations that have now been largely lifted. However, officials warn that hazards remain and residents should stay alert.
Evacuation Status and Road Reopenings
As of the morning update, many areas previously under evacuation orders have been reopened. The Tuolumne County Sheriff's Office confirmed that Symons Lane, West Sunset Street, Crooked Lane, and the south side of Mono Way from Greenley Road to Washington Street are now open. Several other streets including West Lytton, Olive Street, Maple Street, High Street, Bulwer Street, Toby Street, June Street, West Church Lane, Knowles Hill Drive, McKibbon Drive, Martha Lane, and Outlook Drive are also no longer under evacuation warning.
Remaining Evacuation Warnings
Evacuation warnings remain in place for Golden Dove, Silver Pine Drive, Mill Villa Court, Southgate Drive, Hill Street, Sonora Ave, Fair Street, and Gerrymander Avenue. Residents in these areas may return but must remain prepared to leave if conditions worsen. Southgate Drive is now open but designated a no-parking zone to maintain access for emergency vehicles.
Containment Progress and Resources
CAL FIRE reports that firefighters took advantage of cooler overnight temperatures to raise containment from 40% to 55%. The acreage remains steady at 226 acres. Isolated smoke from hot spots within the perimeter may still be visible, but crews are focused on mop-up and line expansion. As of the latest count, 636 personnel, 62 engines, 12 water tenders, 11 dozers, and 19 hand crews are assigned. The fire originally prompted a 0% containment level on Monday morning, according to the Los Angeles Times, but aggressive overnight work led to the jump.
Structure Damage Confirmed
Initial reports from the LA Times on Sunday night indicated no structures had been damaged or destroyed. However, subsequent updates from CAL FIRE and the Tuolumne County Sheriff's Office confirm that damaged and destroyed structures exist within the fire perimeter. Inspections are ongoing, and a full accounting is expected soon.
Local California Context
The fire burned in the hills southwest of Sonora, a gateway community to Yosemite National Park. The area is popular with tourists and residents alike. Evacuation shelters have been set up at the Tuolumne County Resource Center (small animals accepted) and the Tuolumne County Transit Center (cooling center). Large animal shelters are available at the Posse Grounds in Jamestown.
Additional evacuation resources: The Tuolumne Community Resilience Center at 18241 Bay Avenue in Tuolumne is also open as an evacuation center for small animals.
Background
California has experienced increasingly severe wildfire seasons, with the amount of land burned in the 2020s averaging more than double that of 30 years ago, according to researchers cited by the Associated Press. A 30-year-old man was arrested on Monday on suspicion of starting the fire. The blaze began at 2:48 p.m. Sunday near Highway 108 and Mill Villa Road. Two firefighters sustained injuries while battling the fire; their conditions were not disclosed. Governor Gavin Newsom announced a federal grant to reimburse up to 75% of firefighting costs. The cause of the Dove Fire remains under investigation, although a suspect has been arrested.
Conclusion
While progress is encouraging, officials urge residents to remain vigilant. Those under evacuation warnings should have a go-bag ready and monitor emergency notifications. Recovery efforts, including utility repairs and structure inspections, continue. For spoiled food due to power outages, a dumpster is available at School Street for perishable waste only.