Sonora, CA– A Sonora man has been arrested in connection with the Dove Fire, which burned approximately 223 acres of vegetation in the greater downtown Sonora area on July 26.
CAL FIRE Law Enforcement Officers arrested 30-year-old Jacob Williams Hoskins of Sonora on Sunday, July 26, following an investigation that identified him as the person suspected of causing the fire. Hoskins was arrested on suspicion of violating California Penal Code Section 452(c), which involves recklessly causing a fire. The case will be handled by the Tuolumne County District Attorney’s Office.
The investigation was a collaborative effort involving the CAL FIRE Tuolumne-Calaveras Unit and CAL FIRE Madera-Mariposa-Merced Unit law enforcement bureaus, along with the Sonora Police Department and the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Office. CAL FIRE thanked community members for providing tips that assisted investigators in identifying and arresting Hoskins. Officials reminded residents to remain alert and report suspicious activity before, during, or after a fire. Authorities encourage anyone who observes suspicious people, vehicles or activity to document details through photos, videos or written notes.
Anyone with information related to the cause of a fire can contact the CAL FIRE Arson Hotline at (800) 468-4408. Callers may remain anonymous.
