🔥 Trending Dove Fire: Evacuations Underway as Wildfire Threatens Tuolumne County

The Dove Fire is a rapidly spreading wildfire that ignited in Tuolumne County, California, near the city of Sonora ¹³⁶. The fire broke out on Sunday, July 27, 2026, just before 3 p.m. local time ³⁸¹⁰.

Location and Initial Spread

The fire originated in the Mill Villa area, close to Highway 108 and Stockton Road, southwest of downtown Sonora ³¹⁰. Sonora is a popular gateway city to Yosemite National Park, located approximately 70 miles west of the park ⁵⁸.

Upon ignition, the Dove Fire quickly grew from about 50 acres ³ to 166 acres within hours ⁹. By late Sunday evening, it had scorched 223 acres ²⁴⁸¹⁰. The rapid spread is attributed to dry seasonal fuels, steep terrain, and gusty afternoon winds ⁹.

Evacuations and Emergency Response

Due to its rapid advancement, mandatory evacuation orders have been issued for residents in affected areas of Tuolumne County ²⁶. Road closures are also in effect to ensure public safety and facilitate emergency response efforts ¹⁷. Firefighters are actively battling the blaze, which has necessitated a significant emergency response ¹⁷.