A suspect, identified as 30-year-old Jacob William Hoskins, has been arrested in connection with the Dove Fire, which threatened the community of Sonora, often referred to as the “gateway to Yosemite.” Hoskins, described as a local transient, is accused of recklessly causing the fire.
The arrest followed the discovery of video footage showing a man, later identified as Hoskins, walking away from the blaze shortly after it started, wearing a straw hat. Authorities recognized him from the social media imagery and prior law enforcement contacts, leading to his apprehension at Rotary Park, also wearing the distinctive hat.
The Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Office credited the public's vigilance in reporting suspicious activity and capturing photos and videos, which proved invaluable to the investigation and the suspect's identification and arrest.
The Dove Fire, reported Sunday afternoon in the hills southwest of downtown Sonora, spread rapidly and had grown to 223 acres by 7:30 p.m. that evening. Initial containment was reported at 1% late Sunday, with the rate of spread slowing from dangerous to moderate.
As of Tuesday morning, firefighters had increased containment to 25%, with the fire covering approximately 225 acres. Crews continued suppression efforts, and evacuation changes were made, with the designated shelter remaining available for residents.
If convicted, Hoskins faces a potential sentence of up to three years in prison.