High temperatures fuel Dolan Fire near Big Sur over Labor Day weekend
The Dolan Fire grew nearly 2,300 acres since Friday to 34,175 acres, according to the U.S. Forest Service.
The fire, which is burning in Monterey County south of Big Sur, is still 40% contained.
About 870 personnel will continue Sunday to improve the containment lines all around the fire. Air operations provided support to ground crews and helped to slow the fire’s progression, according to the U.S. Forest Service.
High temperatures Saturday caused an increase in fire activity in the southern and eastern sections of the fire, spreading further into Limekiln State Park and the Ventana Wilderness — where a condor research facility was destroyed by flames. Two missing California condor chicks were found alive in the area Wednesday.
On Sunday, crews expect to face record-breaking temperatures and will be challenged with the possibility of increased fire activity and heat exhaustion, the U.S Forest Service said.
The Dolan Fire is believed to have been started Aug. 18 by arson.
Highway 1 remains closed from Gorda to three miles north of Slates Hot Springs, according to the California Department of Transportation.
Evacuation orders are still in place for Zone B, the Lucia area, and Zone J, the Prewitt Ridge Area. Evacuation warnings are in place for Zone A, the Big Creek area, Zone C, the Partington area, and Zone K-S, near Coast Ridge Road.
Dolan Fire victims needing shelter can call 805-788-2307 for assistance.
The River and Carmel fires, also burning in Monterey County, were 100% contained as of Sunday, according to Cal Fire.
How to help wildfire victims
Thousands of people have had to evacuate due to the fires in Monterey County, and many are unsure when or if they will be able to return home.
The Community Foundation for Monterey County created a Monterey County Fire Relief Fund to help those affected by the Dolan, River and Salinas fires. Donations can be made online, via phone at 831-375-9712 or by mail at Community Foundation for Monterey County, 2354 Garden Road, Monterey, CA 93940. (Make checks payable to the foundation and note “Monterey County Fire Relief,” “Carmel Valley Relief” or “Big Sur Relief” in the memo line.)
Supplies can also be donated directly at Seaside High School, 2200 Noche Buena St. in Seaside, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Additional volunteer and donation information can be found at MontereyCo.Recovers.org.
This story was originally published September 6, 2020 at 11:15 AM.
