Evacuation orders lifted for 2 Monterey County fires as Big Sur wildfire spreads
The Dolan Fire near Big Sur burned approximately 2,000 more acres overnight, according to the U.S. Forest Service,
However, increased containment of two other large wildfires in Monterey County allowed for most evacuation warnings and orders to be lifted by Friday, according to Cal Fire.
Dolan Fire continues to burn near Big Sur
As of Thursday night, the Dolan Fire was actively burning on the north end, according to the U.S. Forest Service.
On Friday morning, the fire was 23,365 acres and 20% contained, according to the U.S. Forest Service.
The forest service said it was unable to conduct an infrared flight to confirm acreage Thursday night due to demands from other fires around California.
Around 900 firefighters were on the scene Friday morning, with 25 water tenders, 75 fire engines, 14 hand crews and eight helicopters, according to the update.
Hot shot crews were expected to work Friday on securing a containment line along McWay Ridge at the north end of the fire, the forest service said.
On Thursday night, crews were able to form a direct line in the south, near Hermitage, according to the U.S. Forest Service.
Along with structures in the Partington Ridge, Hermitage, and Lucia, firefighters were prioritizing the protection of Highway 1, according to the U.S. Forest Service.
“Smoldering and rolling material continue to threaten large sections of the highway,” a U.S. Forest Service nes release read.
Evacuation orders were in effect Friday for the Partington, Big Creek and Lucia zones.
Highway 1 remained closed Friday near mile marker 38 at Troy Canyon in the north and at Hermitage south of the fire, according to the U.S. Forest Service.
The Los Padres Forest Service was expected to hold a virtual community meeting about the fire at 2 p.m. Friday, livestreamed on their Facebook page.
Evacuation orders, warnings for River and Carmel fires lifted
All evacuation warnings and orders were lifted for the River Fire near Salinas and the Carmel Fire in Carmel Valley by Friday morning, according to Cal Fire.
The River Fire had burned 48,732 acres and was 66% contained as of Friday morning.
As of Friday, 30 structures have been destroyed — 13 of which were homes, according to the agency. An additional 12 structures were damaged. No structures were threatened Friday morning, Cal Fire reported.
The Carmel Fire was 71% contained as of Friday morning, according to Cal Fire.
Improved weather conditions continued to help firefighters bolster containment lines, Cal Fire said.
As of Friday, 6,767 acres in the Carmel Valley had burned as a result of the fire.
Cal Fire reported that 73 structures, including 50 homes, had been destroyed by the Carmel Fire as of Friday. Seven other structures were damaged.
No structures were threatened Friday morning, the agency said.
How to help fire victims
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.
The Ventana Wildlife Society is also collecting monetary donations to rebuild the condor release and research facilities that were destroyed by the Dolan Fire. The nonprofit’s goal is to raise $500,000 to rebuild the sanctuary for the endangered birds, according to the society’s website.
Additional volunteer and donation information can be found at MontereyCo.Recovers.org.
This story was originally published August 28, 2020 at 1:30 PM with the headline "Evacuation orders lifted for 2 Monterey County fires as Big Sur wildfire spreads."
