Full Breakdown
Dove Fire Forces Evacuations and Road Closures in Tuolumne County, California
7/27/2026, 8:43:36 AM
Core Event
A fast-moving vegetation fire, the Dove Fire, ignited near Highway 108 and Mill Villa Road in Sonora, Turolumne County. Firefighters reported a dangerous spread rate as the blaze moved across forest and scrubland. Mandatory evacuations were ordered for several neighborhoods, and sections of Highway 108 were closed. Animal-evacuation shelters opened for pets and livestock.
Background & Context
The fire started Sunday afternoon, shortly before 3 p.m., in dense oak and scrub terrain east of Yosemite National Park—an area prone to rapid wildfire growth in dry, windy conditions. Cal Fire’s Tuolumne-Calaveras Unit responded with ground crews, air support, and retardant drops.
Data & Statistics
- Reported size: 85 acres (VC Star), 166 acres (KTVU), >200 acres (CBS), later 223 acres (CBS update).
- Containment: fire “holding within the retardant lines” with a moderate spread rate (Cal Fire).
- Evacuation zones (mandatory): McKibbon Dr, Golden Dove Ln, Crooked Ln, Southgate Rd, Stockton Rd, Silver Pine Ln, Washington St to Lowe’s, north side of Mono Way, The Silos, portions of Beretta St.
- Evacuation warnings: South Washington St to Barretta St, Martha Ln, Outlook Dr, among others.
- Road closures: Highway 108 between Stockton Rd and Woodside; additional closures on Washington St, Forest Rd at Sylvan Dr, and Stockton Rd at Highway 108.
- Animal shelters: small-animal shelter at Tuolumne County Animal Control (10040 Victoria Way, Jamestown); large-animal shelter at the Posse Grounds (19130 Rawhide Rd, Jamestown).
Official Statements & Responses
Cal Fire noted crews continued reinforcing containment lines through the evening. The Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Office downgraded the evacuation order for part of Beretta St from mandatory to warning after fire activity decreased at night, while keeping other orders in place and directing motorists to avoid closed sections of Highway 108.
Local emergency centers remained open: the Tuolumne Community Resilience Center served as an evacuation shelter for people and small pets; the Tuolumne County Transit Center operated as a cooling center for unhoused residents; deputies pledged overnight patrols of evacuated neighborhoods.
On-the-Ground Reports
Residents said several roads began reopening after 9 p.m., with one-way traffic restored on portions of Highway 108. Cal Fire and the Department of Homeland Security advised residents to monitor alerts and maintain defensible space around homes.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the total acreage burned, ranging from 85 to 223 acres. No definitive cause for the fire has been confirmed.
Verbatim Quote
- “The Dove fire is holding within the retardant lines, yet still has a moderate rate of spread,” — Cal Fire
What’s Next
Cal Fire will continue containment efforts through the night and keep traffic controls on Highway 108 and other closed roadways until the fire is fully contained. Residents in evacuation zones should stay tuned to local alerts for updates on order status and shelter availability.
