Update: Fire Ignites On Old Priest Grade

Published Jul 6, 2026 3:06 pm : Updated Jul 6, 2026 4:59 pm

Priest Fire

Update at 4:59 pm: The forward progress of the fire has been stopped. Crews will remain in the area mopping up. Travelers will need to avoid Old Priest Grade.

Update at 4:39 pm: CAL FIRE credits the quick actions of responding resources that have led to the fire holding within the current perimeter. Some aircraft have been released from the incident.

Update at 3:08 pm: Evacuation orders have also now been issued for Priest Coulterville Road (down to the creek reservoir at the Hetch Hetchy entrance) in addition to the Priest Station Cafe.

Original story posted at 3:05 pm: Groveland, CA – A vehicle fire has spread to vegetation in the area of Old Priest Grade.

The Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Office reports that it is moving at a “dangerous to critical” rate of spread. An evacuation order has been issued for the Priest Café at the top of the grade. An Everbridge notification has been sent to Big Oak Flat residents about an Evacuation Warning.

Travelers will need to avoid the area. Air and ground resources are on the scene. The fire is reportedly around 10 acres.