Dove Fire burns near Yosemite forcing mandatory evacuations
The wildfire has burned more than 220 acres in Tuolumne County, prompting road closures and a federal grant to help cover firefighting costs.
Many visitors traveled to Yosemite National Park to catch the annual and iconic “Firefall” effect at Horsetail Fall on Feb. 19. This occurs when sunset lines up perfectly with the waterfall.
Residents of a town outside Yosemite National Park evacuated after a fast-moving wildfire broke out Sunday afternoon in Tuolumne County.
The Dove Fire started at approximately 2:48 p.m. Sunday near Highway 108 and Mill Villa Road, Sonora, according to Cal Fire. Fire officials from the Cal Fire Tuolumne-Calaveras Unit noted the blaze had a “dangerous rate of spread.” According to the latest update, the fire has burned 225 acres and is 25 percent contained.
The fire was determined to be human-caused. Following "an extensive investigation," Cal Fire Law Enforcement Officers arrested 30-year-old Sonora resident Jacob Williams Hoskins on Sunday on the charge of Recklessly Causing a Fire, according to a release issued Monday.
The Dove Fire, which started July 26, 2026, has burned over 220 acres in Tuolumne County, California. (Image credit: CAL FIRE Tuolumne-Calaveras Unit)
The Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Office continues to post updates regarding mandatory evacuations, evacuation warnings and road closures. The office noted at 9 p.m. PDT Sunday that deputies were patrolling evacuation areas overnight as responders continued to battle the fire.
An evacuation center is located at the Tuolumne CRC, and the Tuolumne County Transit Center is open as a cooling center for unhoused individuals and people at Camp Justice. Animal evacuation centers are located at Animal Control and the Posse Grounds in Jamestown.
Those seeking more information should call the Sheriff's Office information line at 209-533-5151.
The Dove Fire, which started July 26, 2026, has burned over 220 acres in Tuolumne County, California. (Image credit: CAL FIRE Tuolumne-Calaveras Unit)
Federal grant issued to support Dove Fire response
On Sunday, California received a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to support the response to the Dove Fire. The grant allows state, local and tribal agencies to seek reimbursement for up to 75% of eligible firefighting costs, according to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office.
“Securing this assistance helps ensure firefighters have the resources they need to respond aggressively, protect lives and property, and support impacted communities as evacuation efforts continue,” Newsom said in the news release.
Wildfire season continues to disrupt life across the U.S. as extreme heat and dry conditions contribute to new wildfire development.
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