- The Dove Fire burned 225 acres near Sonora in Tuolumne County.
- A 30-year-old Sonora man, Jacob Williams Haskins, has been arrested on suspicion of recklessly causing the fire.
- Two firefighters were injured while battling the blaze.
- As of Monday evening, the fire was 10% contained.
- Evacuation orders issued for McKibbon Drive, Golden Dove Lane, Crooked Lane, Southgate Road, and Stockton Road; later expanded to include Silver Pine Lane and other streets.
- Evacuation warnings remain in place for Washington Street to Barretta Street, Martha Lane, and Outlook Drive.
- Evacuation centers: Tuolumne Community Resilience Center at 18241 Bay Ave. in Tuolumne and Tuolumne County Transit Center at 12879 Justice Center Drive in Sonora.
- Temporary animal evacuation shelters: Tuolumne County Animal Control at 10040 Victoria Way in Jamestown and Posse Grounds at 19130 Rawhide Road in Jamestown.
- Highway 108 is open; Stockton Road and South Washington Street are open. Side streets on the west side of South Washington Street, from Symons Lane to Stockton Road, and Southgate Drive remain closed.
- Authorities urge residents to leave if they feel unsafe and to avoid the area.
Introduction
A fast-moving wildfire, the Dove Fire, ignited Sunday in Tuolumne County, burning 225 acres near Sonora and prompting immediate evacuation orders. A 30-year-old Sonora man, Jacob Williams Haskins, was arrested on suspicion of recklessly causing the fire, according to Cal Fire. Authorities credited community tips with leading to the arrest, and the investigation involved multiple agencies including CAL FIRE Tuolumne-Calaveras and Madera-Mariposa-Merced Units, along with the Sonora Police Department and Tuolumne County Sheriff's Office. The fire was reported around 2:50 p.m. Sunday near the junction of highways 108 and 49, and mandatory evacuations were issued within 20 minutes. Two firefighters were injured while battling the blaze.
Fire Details and Evacuations
The Dove Fire is burning near Highway 108 and Stockton Road in the Mill Villa area, southwest of downtown Sonora and northeast of Jamestown. As of 3:30 p.m., the fire had consumed approximately 50 acres with a dangerous rate of spread, according to Cal Fire. The fire initially was reported at 10 acres before rapidly expanding. By 9 p.m. Sunday, it had grown to 223 acres, but activity was decreasing and one evacuation zone was downgraded to a warning, Cal Fire said. As of 9:05 p.m. Monday, the fire had burned 225 acres and was 10% contained, Cal Fire reported. Evacuation orders cover McKibbon Drive, Golden Dove Lane, Crooked Lane, Southgate Road, and Stockton Road. Deputies are going door-to-door in the affected areas, urging compliance.
Later, evacuation orders were expanded to include Silver Pine Lane, from Washington to Lowe's, the north side of Mono to Washington, and Golden Dove, as well as from The Silos on Washington Street to Hospital Road. Evacuation warnings were also issued for Washington Street to Barretta Street, Martha Lane, and Outlook Drive. The Tuolumne CRC will open around 5:30 p.m. as an evacuation center for residents.
Road Closures and Shelter Information
Initial road closures included Highway 108 closed at Stockton Road, and Stockton Road closed at Woodside. As of Monday morning, both Highway 108 and Highway 49 remained closed. However, by Monday evening, Cal Fire reported that Highway 108 is open, as are Stockton Road and South Washington Street. Side streets on the west side of South Washington Street, from Symons Lane to Stockton Road, as well as Southgate Drive remain closed. Motorists are advised to avoid the area. A temporary animal evacuation shelter has been established at Tuolumne County Animal Control at 10040 Victoria Way in Jamestown for small pets. Large animals can be taken to the Posse Grounds at 19130 Rawhide Road in Jamestown.
Additionally, the Tuolumne Community Resilience Center at 18241 Bay Ave. in Tuolumne is open as an evacuation center for residents. The Tuolumne County Transit Center at 12879 Justice Center Drive in Sonora is also serving as an evacuation center.
Safety Warnings and Community Response
The Sheriff's Office stresses that people in the vicinity should not wait for an official evacuation order if they feel unsafe. Residents are asked to stay clear of emergency routes to allow crews to operate. The cause of the fire is under investigation, but the arrest suggests possible recklessness. For updates and details, see the Facebook page of the Tuolumne County Sheriff or the county's fire information map.
Local California Context
Tuolumne County, situated in the Sierra Nevada foothills, frequently faces wildfire threats due to dry summers and dense vegetation. The Dove Fire underscores the ongoing risk for rural communities near Sonora and Jamestown.
Background
California's wildfire season has become increasingly severe in recent years, with multiple incidents across the state. Tuolumne County has experienced major fires before, including the 2018 Donnell Fire and 2020 Glass Fire, though the Dove Fire remains relatively contained at 225 acres.
Conclusion
Residents should monitor official channels from Cal Fire and the Tuolumne County Sheriff's Office. Preparedness, including having a go-bag and a plan, is essential. The fire is being fought aggressively, and updates will follow as conditions change.