Sonora, CA– CAL FIRE investigators have determined the causes of four of the five wildfires that burned in Tuolumne and Calaveras counties on July 26 and 27, while the cause of one blaze remains under investigation.
In Calaveras County, the Mitchell Fire was reported at about 9 a.m. July 27 near Mitchell Mill Road and Blue Mountain Road in Wilseyville. Investigators determined the fire was caused by equipment use and burned approximately 0.34 acres. The Cement Fire was reported at about 11:27 a.m. July 27 near Pool Station Road and Cement Plant Road in San Andreas. Officials said the fire was caused by a vehicle and burned about 7.71 acres.
In Tuolumne County, the Dove Fire was reported at about 2:51 p.m. July 26 near Highway 108 and West Stockton Road in Sonora. CAL FIRE determined the 223-acre fire was caused by a person recklessly starting a fire. The Court Fire, reported at about 2:48 p.m. July 27 near Sanguinetti Road and Highway 108 in Sonora, burned approximately 12 acres. Its cause remains under investigation. The O’Neil Fire was reported at about 7:11 p.m. July 27 near Mormon Creek Road and Rim Rock Road in Jamestown. Investigators determined spontaneous combustion caused the approximately 3-acre fire.
CAL FIRE officials noted that approximately 95% of California wildfires are caused by people and warned that wildfire danger is expected to increase as hotter temperatures and dry conditions continue through the late summer and fall. Equipment use and vehicles remain among the leading causes of wildfire ignitions in the Tuolumne-Calaveras Unit. Fire officials are urging residents to properly maintain vehicles and outdoor equipment, avoid parking on dry vegetation, use gasoline-powered equipment during cooler morning hours, and ensure spark arresters are installed on required equipment.
Officials also reminded the public to call 911 immediately if a fire starts and noted that individuals responsible for causing a wildfire may be held financially liable for suppression and related costs.
