Monday, 27 July 2026, 22:51
The Dove Fire continues to challenge fire crews in Tuolumne County, expanding to 225 acres with no containment as of Monday morning. The fire started Sunday at approximately 2:48 p.m. near Highway 108 and Mill Villa Road, southwest of downtown Sonora and just northeast of Jamestown. The wildfire came within a quarter mile of downtown Sonora, though no historic structures or major businesses had been reported damaged as of Monday morning.
CAL FIRE reports that fire activity decreased overnight, allowing crews to make progress mopping up hot spots and strengthening control lines. However, the fire remains at 0% containment. Two firefighters have been injured: one with an ankle injury and a second evaluated for heat-related illness, both since released. The cause is under investigation. Resources assigned include 484 personnel, 22 engines, 3 water tenders, 3 helicopters, 4 dozers, and 5 hand crews, with numerous air tankers from across the state supporting suppression efforts as conditions allow. Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that California secured a Fire Management Assistance Grant from FEMA, allowing local, state, and tribal agencies to apply for 75% reimbursement of fire suppression costs. Conditions were typical with high temperatures and low humidity, but no significant wind gusts. Officials predicted containment numbers would increase significantly over the next 24 hours if progress continues.
Mandatory evacuation orders remain in effect for: Golden Dove Lane, Silver Pine Drive, Stockton Road from Highway 108 to Ponderosa Drive, Southgate Drive, Hill Street, Sonora Ave, Fair Street, Gerrymander Ave, West Sunset Street, and Symons Lane. Evacuation warnings are in place for McKibbon Drive, Martha Lane, Outlook Drive, Crooked Lane, West Lytton Street, Olive Street, Maple Street, High Street, Bulwer Street, Toby Street, June Street, West Church Lane, Knowles Hill Drive, and the south side of Mono Way from Greenley Road to Washington Street. Highway 108 was fully reopened as of 2:25 p.m. Monday, and Washington Street was open, but side streets on the west side from Symons Lane to Stockton Road remained closed. Stockton Road was reopened to Forest Road, while Southgate Drive remained closed. The Tuolumne County Sheriff's Office said deputies would patrol evacuated areas as firefighters continue working. Additionally, a new vegetation fire ignited shortly before 3 p.m. Monday near the Dove Fire, near the Tuolumne County Jail and Superior Court along Highway 108. Cal Fire said firefighters responded quickly to the 15-acre fire, which had a moderate rate of spread, and stopped forward progress in about an hour. The Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Office issued mandatory evacuations for the Superior Court, Juvenile Hall and Camp Justice, as well as a nearby shopping center.
The Tuolumne Community Resilience Center at 18241 Bay Ave in Tuolumne serves as an evacuation center, allowing small animals. The Tuolumne County Transit Center at 12879 Justice Center Drive in Sonora is open as a cooling center. Animal evacuation shelters are available: small animals at Tuolumne County Animal Control (10040 Victoria Way, Jamestown) and large animals at the Posse Grounds (19130 Rawhide Road, Jamestown). Residents who feel unsafe are urged to leave immediately and not wait for an official order.
Tuolumne County, located in California's Sierra Nevada foothills, is historically prone to wildfires. The Dove Fire's proximity to the communities of Sonora and Jamestown has heightened concern, as these areas are home to thousands of residents. The fire's rapid growth near populated zones underscores the ongoing wildfire risk in the region.
Tuolumne County has experienced major wildfires in the past, including the 2013 Rim Fire, which burned over 250,000 acres and threatened local communities. While the Dove Fire is smaller in scale, its location close to residential areas and major highways (Highway 108 is a key route) makes it a significant incident. Local emergency services have activated evacuation protocols and coordinated with CAL FIRE to protect lives and property.
Residents should remain vigilant, follow official updates from CAL FIRE and the Tuolumne County Sheriff's Office, and prioritize their safety. Evacuation orders are in place for a reason—do not wait to leave if you feel threatened. The fire situation is evolving, and further updates are expected as crews continue their work.
