Dove Fire Sparks Evacuations in Tuolumne County, West of Yosemite

On Sunday afternoon, a blaze suddenly erupted east of Stockton Road along Highway 108, in the foothills of Tuolumne County – roughly 70 miles west of the famed Yosemite National Park. Fire officials have since named it the Dove Fire, and it appears to have sparked sometime around 3 p.m.

By the time night fell, CAL Fire reported the fire had already consumed about 223 acres. While the flames are being held within the lines of fire‑retardant that crews sprayed earlier, the fire still holds a moderate rate of spread, meaning firefighters are keeping a close eye on it and reinforcing containment as needed.

Because of the fire’s location and the way the wind was behaving, local authorities ordered evacuations for several nearby communities. Those affected were directed to a temporary shelter set up at the Tuolumne County Resilience Center in Tuolumne City, where volunteers are providing food, blankets, and a place to rest.

If you live in the area, it’s a good idea to sign up for emergency alerts – a quick click can keep you in the loop about evacuation orders, road closures, and safety instructions.

Firefighters from CAL Fire, as well as local volunteer crews, continue to work the perimeter, establishing new lines where needed and ensuring the blaze doesn’t jump beyond the protected zones. As of 9 p.m. Sunday, the fire was still being actively managed, but the immediate threat to homes had been largely contained thanks to the rapid response.

For now, residents are encouraged to stay tuned to local news, follow the guidance of emergency officials, and avoid the area until officials declare it safe to return.