Wildfire forces evacuations in town outside Yosemite National Park

LATEST July 26, 9:44 p.m. Firefighters were making “good progress” against the 223-acre Dove Fire in Tuolumne County, and fire activity had decreased, Cal Fire said in an update on its Facebook page. 

Evacuation orders and warnings remained in place, the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Office said, adding that Highway 108 would be reopened to one- lane traffic between Stockton Road and Wigwam Road.

July 26, 8:34 p.m.The Dove Fire in Tuolumne County grew to 223 acres Sunday night, and three helicopters will be conducting water drops overnight, Cal Fire said in a status update. 

Evacuation orders and evacuation warnings remained in place. 

July 26, 5:37 p.m.Cal Fire officials said the Dove Fire is “holding within the retardant lines, yet still has a moderate rate of spread.” Firefighters are attempting to establish containment lines. 

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July 26, 4:55 p.m.A vegetation fire broke out in Tuolumne County on Sunday afternoon, leading to mandatory evacuations in Sonora, a popular stopping point 70 miles west of Yosemite National Park. The Dove Fire is burning at 166 acres as of 4:55 p.m., and its cause remains under investigation, according to a Cal Fire incident page.

“Firefighters continue to attack the fire that still has a dangerous rate of spread,” an update from the agency read at 3:56 p.m. Evacuation orders for an “immediate threat to life” are in effect for the following roads: 

– Dove Lane

– McKibbon Drive 

– Golden Dove Lane

– Crooked Lane

– Southgate Road

– Stockton Road

– Silver Pine Lane

– Washington Street to Lowe’s

– North Side of Mono Way to Washington Street

Evacuation warnings for “potential threat to life and/or property” are in effect from S. Washington St. to Beretta Street. “Those who require additional time to evacuate, and those with pets and livestock should leave now,” Cal Fire wrote. 

Road closures were in effect on Highway 108 at Stockton Rd, among other points. 

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Animal evacuation shelters are available at Animal Control facilities at 10040 Victoria Way in Jamestown; people are advised to take large animals to the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Posse Grounds at 19130 Rawhide Rd. in Jamestown.

225 personnel have been assigned to the fire, including one helicopter, 22 engines, four dozers and three water tenders. “Numerous firefighting air tankers from throughout the State are flying fire suppression missions as conditions allow,” the Cal Fire incident report read.