Monday, 27 July 2026, 22:52
The Dove Fire ignited in Tuolumne County near Sonora and Jamestown, the gateway to Yosemite National Park, and remains largely uncontrolled. As of early Monday, July 27, Cal Fire reports the fire is 0% contained and has charred 225 acres, prompting mandatory evacuations.
The fire started near Sonora and quickly expanded due to dry conditions and winds. Cal Fire crews are working to establish containment lines, but steep terrain and dense vegetation are hampering progress. The 0% containment figure means firefighters have not yet secured any portion of the perimeter.
Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued for areas directly threatened. Officials urge residents to leave immediately. Some roads have reopened, but evacuations remain in place for the most threatened zones. As of Monday afternoon, evacuation orders have been updated to include Crooked Lane and Simons Lane, while Silver Pine Drive and Stockton Road have been removed. Gov. Newsom stated, “California is working side-by-side with our local and state partners to protect communities threatened by the Dove Fire.” State resources, including personnel and equipment, have been deployed.
Cal Fire investigators are on site but have not determined the cause. The origin is believed to be near a remote area, and no lightning was reported in the vicinity. The investigation continues.
Tuolumne County, home to Yosemite National Park and the Stanislaus National Forest, is experiencing extreme fire danger. The area’s mix of forest, brush, and seasonal dry winds makes it susceptible to rapid fire growth. Local authorities are coordinating with state and federal agencies.
California faces heightened wildfire risks due to prolonged drought, high temperatures, and vegetation buildup. The state's history of large fires, such as the 2018 Camp Fire, underscores the importance of early detection and rapid response. The Dove Fire serves as a reminder of the ongoing threat.
Residents in affected areas should follow evacuation orders, prepare emergency kits, and stay informed via Cal Fire updates. The situation remains dynamic, and containment efforts will continue as conditions allow.
UPDATE 1:
The fire began Sunday at about 2:48 p.m. in the area of Highway 108 and Mill Villa Road, southwest of downtown Sonora and just northeast of Jamestown. However, Cal Fire reported that fire activity decreased as night fell and air and ground crews made progress. Crews worked overnight mopping up hot spots and strengthening control lines. Two firefighters have been injured, but there was no immediate word on the extent of their injuries. Firefighting air tankers from across California were flying suppression missions as conditions allowed. No structures have been threatened. The specific evacuation orders cover: Golden Dove Lane, Crooked Lane, Simons Lane, Southgate Drive, Hill Street, Sonora Ave, Fair Street, Gerrymander Ave. Evacuation warnings are in place for: McKibbon Drive, Martha Lane, Outlook Drive, West Lytton Street, Olive Street, Maple Street, High Street, Bulwer Street, West Sunset Street, Toby Street, June Street, West Church Lane, Knowles Hill Drive, and the south side of Mono Way from Greenley Road to Washington Street. Some roads began reopening Sunday night. Highway 108 was reduced to one lane between Stockton Road and Wigwam Road as of early Monday afternoon, but later fully reopened. Washington Street was open, but the side streets on the west side from Symons Lane to Stockton Road remained closed. Stockton Road was re-opened to Forest Road, while Southgate Drive remained closed. The Tuolumne County Sheriff's Office said deputies would patrol evacuated areas. An evacuation center has been opened at the Tuolumne Community Resilience Center at 18241 Bay Ave. in Tuolumne, where people can bring small animals. The Tuolumne County Transit Center at 12879 Justice Center Drive in Sonora is open as a cooling center and fresh air location for unhoused residents and people at Camp Justice. A temporary animal evacuation shelter is available at Tuolumne County Animal Control at 10040 Victoria Way in Jamestown, and large animals can be taken to the Posse Grounds at 19130 Rawhide Road in Jamestown. He also 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. State resources, including 484 total personnel, have been deployed. Anyone who feels unsafe in the affected area was urged to leave without waiting for an evacuation order. Officials urged people to avoid areas where emergency crews are working. UPDATE 2: However, the fire's rate of spread slowed from dangerous to moderate, and it was holding within lines built to slow it down. "Resources are making good progress," Cal Fire said in an update. Cal Fire deployed multiple air tankers, helicopters, 22 engines, four bulldozers, along with 3 water tenders, 3 helicopters, and 5 hand crews, bringing the total personnel to 484. The fire is under unified command of CAL FIRE Tuolumne-Calaveras Unit, with cooperating agencies including Sonora City Fire Department, California Highway Patrol, Sonora City Police, and Tuolumne County Sheriff. Sirens could be heard in downtown Sonora, and a large plume of smoke rose over the area, drifting as far as Lake Tahoe.
