A wildfire known as the Dove Fire has been rapidly spreading near Sonora, a city in Tuolumne County, California, which serves as a gateway to Yosemite National Park. The fire was first reported shortly before 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 26, 2026, in the hills southwest of downtown Sonora. By 7:30 p.m. that same day, the fire had expanded to 223 acres, prompting mandatory evacuations and road closures in the area. Firefighters have been actively working to contain the blaze, which was only 1% contained by late Sunday night. Fortunately, the rate of spread has slowed from dangerous to moderate, indicating that containment efforts are beginning to take effect. The Cal Fire Tuolumne-Calaveras Unit reported that resources are making good progress in managing the situation, although the fire remains a significant threat to the surrounding community. The rapid growth of the fire has raised concerns among local residents and authorities, leading to heightened alertness and preparedness for potential further evacuations if conditions worsen. As the situation develops, the focus remains on protecting lives and property while working to bring the fire under control.