Mandatory evacuations and road closures remain in effect in Tuolumne County as crews battle the 223-acre Dove Fire near Sonora and Jamestown. The vegetation fire prompted immediate safety measures, temporary shelters, and transit center openings as firefighting air and ground units make progress against the flames.
Mandatory Evacuations and Warning Zones Across Sonora
Fire activity decreased as night fell, allowing emergency personnel to make measurable progress on the ground and in the air against the 223-acre blaze, according to updates from Cal Fire. Despite improving conditions, mandatory evacuation orders remain active for several specific roadways and neighborhoods southwest of downtown Sonora and near Jamestown.
The fire is burning in the Mill Villa area southwest of downtown Sonora, near Highway 108 and Stockton Road and just northeast of Jamestown.
The mandatory orders cover McKibbon Drive, Golden Dove Lane, Crooked Lane, Southgate Road, Stockton Road, and Silver Pine Lane. Additional mandatory zones encompass the south side of Mono Way from Greenley Road to Washington Street, Golden Dove, and The Silos on Washington Street extending toward Hospital Road. Early reports indicated the fast-moving vegetation fire had already consumed 166 acres as of 5:20 p.m. before expanding further into the evening hours, according to local officials monitoring the rapid spread.
Evacuation Warnings and Roadway Reopenings
By 9 p.m., the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Office downgraded the mandatory evacuation order for Beretta Street—stretching from Washington, Restano, and Mono to Lyons Road—down to an evacuation warning. All other evacuation orders and warnings remained in place.
Evacuation warnings are in place for:
- South Washington Street to Barretta Street
- Martha Lane and Outlook Drive
- South Stewart Street and South Shepherd Street
- Beretta Street and Washington Street from Highway 108 to the Red Church at Snell Street
The warning area also includes Beretta Street from Washington, Restano and Mono to Lyons Road, which had previously been under a mandatory evacuation order.
Roadway access is returning piece by piece, and some roads began reopening Sunday night. Highway 108 was set to reopen at 9 p.m. with one-way traffic control between Stockton Road and Wigwam Road. Highway 108 has also reopened between Washington Street and Mono Way and between Stockton Road and Fifth Avenue. Pesce Road has reopened, while Washington Street is open from Snell Street to Bradford Street. Deputies said they will patrol evacuated areas overnight as firefighters continue working.
Shelters and Community Resources Established
Local agencies opened designated facilities to support displaced residents, unhoused individuals, and pets affected by the smoke and mandatory orders. The Tuolumne Community Resilience Center at 18241 Bay Ave. in Tuolumne remains open as an evacuation center. People staying there can bring small animals, including dogs and cats.
For unhoused residents and people at Camp Justice, the Tuolumne County Transit Center at 12879 Justice Center Drive in Sonora is open as a cooling center and location for fresh air. Meanwhile, a temporary animal evacuation shelter is available at Tuolumne County Animal Control at 10040 Victoria Way in Jamestown, with large animals that can be taken to the Posse Grounds at 19130 Rawhide Road in Jamestown.
Ongoing Closures and Guidance for Residents
Emergency infrastructure and active firefighting corridors require strict public avoidance. Road closures remain on Washington Street from Highway 108 to Bradford Street, Forest Road at Sylvan Drive, and Stockton Road at Highway 108, Bradford Street, Solynski Road and Green Street.
Anyone who feels unsafe in the affected area is urged to leave without waiting for an evacuation order. Officials are also asking people to avoid areas where emergency crews are working.
