Update: Fire Burning In Forest Emigrant Wilderness

Published Oct 1, 2026 2:26 pm : Updated Oct 1, 2026 4:13 pm

Smoke-filled skies over Emigrant Wilderness—PGE live camera of Piute Fire

Update at 4:10 p.m.: Fire officials with the Stanislaus National Forest report that the size of the Piute Fire, burning in the Emigrant Wilderness in Tuolumne County, has been updated to four acres, a decline from six reported this morning.

Original post at 2:30 p.m.: Sonora, CA – The Stanislaus National Forest today relayed details of a blaze ignited yesterday morning in the Emigrant Wilderness that crews are fighting.

Named the Piute Fire, it is near Lake Piute in Tuolumne County’s high country. Sparked by lightning on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, it was smoldering, with flames creeping in grass and timbers, totaling a quarter acre.

The fire is currently 6 acres and has zero containment. Forest officials report Engine Module 332 and Patrol 31 are currently on scene and will remain overnight to monitor the fire. They shared, “The fire is burning at a moderate rate of spread and full suppression tactics are being used, along with natural barriers of granite rock and the lake.”

Smoke may be visible from Hull Creek, Dodge Ridge Resort, and Highway 108. Forest officials advise caution for those recreating and hiking in the area and to be aware of fire crews in the area accessing the scene.