CAL FIRE Reminds Residents Returning After Dove Fire To Inspect Homes

Sonora, CA– As residents displaced by the Dove Fire begin returning home, CAL FIRE is reminding the public that safety should remain the top priority even after evacuation orders are lifted.

Officials say homeowners should conduct a thorough inspection of their property before settling back in, checking for hazards both inside and outside the home. Fire damage can leave behind weakened trees, unstable structures, compromised utilities and lingering hot spots that may not be immediately visible. Before returning, residents should confirm with fire officials that it is safe to enter their property. Drivers are urged to use caution on roads that may have fallen trees, damaged utility poles, loose debris or other hazards. Officials also recommend monitoring emergency alerts in case changing conditions require additional evacuations.

Outside the home, residents should inspect roofs, gutters, decks, crawl spaces and other areas for smoldering embers. Trees, fences and utility equipment should be checked for damage, while any downed power lines or gas hazards should be reported immediately. Burned hillsides can also increase the risk of erosion, flash flooding and debris flows.

CAL FIRE also recommends scheduling professional inspections of structural, electrical and mechanical systems, filing insurance claims promptly and updating family emergency plans as recovery efforts continue.

A link to more tips can be found here.