A fast-moving wildfire, dubbed the Dove Fire, has forced mandatory evacuations in Sonora, California, a city known as a gateway to Yosemite National Park. The blaze began Sunday afternoon in the hills southwest of downtown Sonora and spread rapidly.
By Sunday evening, the fire had consumed 223 acres, according to Cal Fire. While its rate of spread had slowed from dangerous to moderate by late Sunday night, containment was at just 1% as firefighters worked to establish control lines. Resources were reported to be making progress in containing the fire. The fire's rapid growth led to road closures in the area as emergency crews responded to the developing situation in the Sierra Nevada foothills.
Officials reported that the fire was first reported shortly before 3 p.m. Sunday. The Tuolumne County city of Sonora is a popular stop for visitors heading to Yosemite National Park. The ongoing fire activity prompted concerns about air quality and the safety of residents and visitors in the vicinity.