The Dove Fire tore through dry brush near Highway 108 and Stockton Road on Sunday afternoon, chewing through an estimated 10 acres and moving with what officials called a dangerous rate of spread. Evacuation orders snapped into place for nearby streets as deputies urged anyone who felt unsafe to leave immediately, even if they had not yet received a formal order. The blaze is burning in the Mill Villa area, just southwest of downtown Sonora and northeast of Jamestown, and crews have been zeroing in on protecting homes and other structures.
According to CBS Sacramento, mandatory evacuations were issued for McKibbon Drive, Golden Dove Lane and Crooked Lane as the fire pushed through the foothills. Deputies also asked the public to stay away from the area while firefighters worked. CBS Sacramento reported that Cal Fire pegged the blaze at about 10 acres as of roughly 3 p.m., and that law enforcement was telling residents to leave if they felt threatened. As of Sunday evening, local authorities had not released any information on a possible cause.
Where the fire is and why it matters
The Dove Fire is burning in a familiar trouble spot in the Sierra foothills, an area with a track record of fast-moving incidents along Highway 108 and Stockton Road. Incident records from CAL FIRE on the Woods Fire and from CAL FIRE on the Washington Fire show previous burns in and around the same corridor. Those earlier fires led to road closures and evacuations in nearby neighborhoods, a reminder of how quickly foothill communities here can find themselves in the path of a blaze. Local response to past incidents has been chronicled by outlets such as myMotherLode, highlighting just how exposed this stretch is during peak fire season.
What officials are saying
Fire crews and sheriff's deputies have been focused on containment lines and keeping flames away from homes, while reminding the public not to crowd the scene. According to CBS Sacramento, deputies have urged residents in the area to leave if they feel unsafe and to stay out until officials say it is clear to return. Authorities have said updates will be posted on county and Cal Fire channels as crews map the perimeter and check for any damage to structures.
How residents can stay informed
People living near the fire zone are being urged to monitor official updates from the Tuolumne County Sheriff's Office and Cal Fire for the latest evacuation maps and any road closures. If you are within or close to the evacuation area, officials recommend getting medications, important documents, pet supplies and a few days' worth of clothing ready to go, and checking in on neighbors who might need help leaving. Drivers are being asked to avoid Highway 108 near Jamestown and Stockton Road until emergency crews finish their work on the ground.
