# Dolan Fire

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2020 wildfire in central California, US

Dolan Fire The Dolan fire on Sept 8, 2020 Date August 18, 2020 (2020-08-18) – December 31, 2020 (2020-12-31)[1] Location Big Sur, California Coordinates 36°07′23″N 121°36′07″W / 36.123°N 121.602°W / 36.123; -121.602[1] Statistics Total area 128,050 acres (51,820 ha)[1] Impacts Injuries 15 Ignition Cause Arson[2] Map Location within California

The **Dolan Fire** was a large [wildfire](/source/Wildfire) that burned in the [Big Sur](/source/Big_Sur) region and other parts of the [Santa Lucia mountain range](/source/Santa_Lucia_Range) in [Monterey County](/source/Monterey_County%2C_California), [California](/source/California), in the [United States](/source/United_States) as part of the [2020 California wildfire season](/source/2020_California_wildfires). The fire began at approximately 8:15 p.m. on August 18, 2020. On September 8, 15 firefighters were injured, one critically,[4][5] when they were forced to deploy emergency [fire shelters](/source/Fire_shelter) at Nacimiento Station.[6] Ten adult [California condors](/source/California_condor) and two chicks died in the blaze, which began about a mile south of the Big Sur Condor Sanctuary in [Monterey County](/source/Monterey_County%2C_California).[7] The nonprofit [Ventana Wildlife Society](/source/Ventana_Wildlife_Society) of [Monterey](/source/Monterey%2C_California) lost a sanctuary that has been used to release the captive-bred condors into the wild since 1997. While no people or condors were at the 80-acre (32 ha) site, a research building, pens, and other facilities were destroyed.[8]

The fire burned parts of the [Ventana Wilderness](/source/Ventana_Wilderness), [Fort Hunter Liggett](/source/Fort_Hunter_Liggett),[9] along [Nacimiento-Fergusson Road](/source/Nacimiento-Fergusson_Road),[10] and forced the closure of many area state parks as well as a section of [California State Route 1](/source/Big_Sur_Coast_Highway).[11] As of December 31, 2020, the fire has been fully contained.[1] According to the D.A, the estimated cost of fighting the fire was $63 million.[12] The fire also destroyed the USFS Nacimiento Ranger Station.

During winter storms following the fire, entire sections of the [Nacimiento-Fergusson Road](/source/Nacimiento-Fergusson_Road) were washed away, reopening in November 2024 after $12 million in repairs.[13] In January 2022, U.S. Representative [Jimmy Panetta](/source/Jimmy_Panetta) announced that he had obtained $126 million in Federal Highway Administration funds to repair the road and rebuild the USFS Nacimiento Ranger Station destroyed in the blaze. This includes replacing the fire station, barracks, engine garage and pumphouse, along with some site utilities, such as a water well, solar connections and access roads.[14]

The Dolan fire was started by arson,[15] and Ivan Gomez was arrested in connection with the fire and convicted of arson subsequent to his confession.[16] Gomez claimed he lit the fire to hide five murders, but his mental competency, the true intentionality of the arson, and the actual existence of bodies were put in question.[17] On September 23, 2020, a judge ruled that he was competent to stand trial.[18] He was convicted in April 2022 of 16 felony counts, including arson and cruelty to animals.[19] In May 2022, he was sentenced to 24 years in state prison.[2]

## See also

- [2020 California wildfires](/source/2020_California_wildfires)

## References

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-InciWeb_1-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-InciWeb_1-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-InciWeb_1-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-InciWeb_1-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-InciWeb_1-4) ["Dolan Fire"](https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7018/). *InciWeb*. September 13, 2020. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200911204019/https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7018/) from the original on September 11, 2020. Retrieved September 13, 2020.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-conviction_2-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-conviction_2-1) Ives, Mike (May 20, 2022). ["Man Gets 24 Years for Starting Wildfire That Killed California Condors"](https://www.nytimes.com/2022/05/20/us/california-condors-dolan-fire.html). *The New York Times*. [ISSN](/source/ISSN_(identifier)) [0362-4331](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/0362-4331). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20220520093458/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/05/20/us/california-condors-dolan-fire.html/) from the original on May 20, 2022. Retrieved May 20, 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** Garibay, Cassandra (September 10, 2020). ["Dolan Fire near Big Sur passes 100,000 acres, 14 structures destroyed"](https://www.sanluisobispo.com/news/california/fires/article245627130.html). *The Tribune*. Retrieved September 14, 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** Allen, Rob. ["Statement Regarding Shelter Deployment"](https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/7018/55234/). InciWeb. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200908205657/https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/7018/55234/) from the original on September 8, 2020. Retrieved September 14, 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** ["BIG SUR DOLAN FIRE RELIEF FUND"](https://mailchi.mp/cpoabigsur/big-sur-dolan-fire-relief-fund-2705432?e=a0fae30711). Community Association of Big Sur. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200919165307/https://mailchi.mp/cpoabigsur/big-sur-dolan-fire-relief-fund-2705432?e=a0fae30711) from the original on September 19, 2020. Retrieved September 19, 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** McIntyre, Ashton (September 8, 2020). ["15 firefighters injured during shelter deployment while battling the Dolan Fire"](https://www.ksby.com/weather/fire-watch/15-firefighters-injured-during-shelter-deployment-situation-while-battling-the-dolan-fire). *KSBY*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200911055941/https://www.ksby.com/weather/fire-watch/15-firefighters-injured-during-shelter-deployment-situation-while-battling-the-dolan-fire) from the original on September 11, 2020. Retrieved September 14, 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** Carlson, Cheri. ["California condor population suffers worst year in decades after deadly wildfire"](https://www.vcstar.com/story/news/2021/07/13/california-condor-population-struggles-after-its-deadliest-wildfire/5354731001/). *Ventura County Star*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210715130434/https://www.vcstar.com/story/news/2021/07/13/california-condor-population-struggles-after-its-deadliest-wildfire/5354731001/) from the original on July 15, 2021. Retrieved July 15, 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** ["Fate of California condors unknown after sanctuary burns"](https://www.nbcnews.com/science/science-news/fate-california-condors-unknown-after-sanctuary-burns-n1238175). *NBC News*. Associated Press. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200826172503/https://www.nbcnews.com/science/science-news/fate-california-condors-unknown-after-sanctuary-burns-n1238175) from the original on August 26, 2020. Retrieved August 26, 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** ["Dolan Fire breaches Fort Hunter Liggett, 3 firefighters injured"](https://pasoroblesdailynews.com/dolan-fire-breaches-fort-hunter-liggett-3-firefighters-injured/114011/). *Paso Robles Daily News*. September 9, 2020. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200923201139/https://pasoroblesdailynews.com/dolan-fire-breaches-fort-hunter-liggett-3-firefighters-injured/114011/) from the original on September 23, 2020. Retrieved September 15, 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** Dickinson, Laura (September 12, 2020). ["Dolan Fire near Big Sur grows more than 2,400 acres overnight"](https://www.sanluisobispo.com/news/california/fires/article245686785.html). *San Luis Obispo Tribune*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200914114552/https://www.sanluisobispo.com/news/california/fires/article245686785.html) from the original on September 14, 2020. Retrieved September 15, 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** Forgione, Alex; Reynolds, Christopher (September 9, 2020). ["Highway 1, 30 state parks and 18 national forests in California now closed: What you need to know"](https://www.latimes.com/travel/story/2020-09-09/california-national-forests-close-fire-risk). *Los Angeles Times*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200915040258/https://www.latimes.com/travel/story/2020-09-09/california-national-forests-close-fire-risk) from the original on September 15, 2020. Retrieved September 15, 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** Solis, Nathan (May 20, 2022). ["Man sentenced to 24 years for setting Big Sur wildfire that killed 12 endangered condors"](https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-05-20/man-sentenced-to-24-years-for-setting-big-sur-wildfire-that-killed-12-endangered-condors). *Los Angeles Times*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20220522041021/https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-05-20/man-sentenced-to-24-years-for-setting-big-sur-wildfire-that-killed-12-endangered-condors) from the original on May 22, 2022. Retrieved May 22, 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-opentoall_13-0)** Rubin, Sara (November 21, 2024). ["For the first time in almost four years, Nacimiento-Fergusson Road is open to through-traffic"](https://www.montereycountynow.com/news/local_news/for-the-first-time-in-almost-four-years-nacimiento-fergusson-road-is-open-to-through/article_4170c9b8-a79c-11ef-ac0d-a771d3e0e4e7.html). *Monterey County NOW*. Retrieved November 21, 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** ["Remote Calif. fire station destroyed by Dolan Fire to be rebuilt"](https://www.firerescue1.com/legislation-funding/articles/remote-calif-fire-station-destroyed-by-dolan-fire-to-be-rebuilt-he4aar8VqrGrj9gQ/). *FireRescue1*. March 8, 2022. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230721003552/https://www.firerescue1.com/legislation-funding/articles/remote-calif-fire-station-destroyed-by-dolan-fire-to-be-rebuilt-he4aar8VqrGrj9gQ/) from the original on July 21, 2023. Retrieved July 21, 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-MontereyCountyNow_15-0)** Shalev, Asaf (August 27, 2020). ["Arson arrest near Dolan Fire origin points to 'cartel-style' cannabis grow"](http://www.montereycountyweekly.com/news/cover_collections/arson-arrest-near-dolan-fire-origin-points-to-cartel-style-cannabis-grow/article_f7c408fc-e7dd-11ea-9a01-4f0cd76412ef.html). *[Monterey County Weekly](/source/Monterey_County_Weekly)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200913170642/https://www.montereycountyweekly.com/news/cover_collections/arson-arrest-near-dolan-fire-origin-points-to-cartel-style-cannabis-grow/article_f7c408fc-e7dd-11ea-9a01-4f0cd76412ef.html) from the original on September 13, 2020. Retrieved September 14, 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-CalifornianArson_16-0)** Szydlowski, Joe (August 19, 2020). ["Monterey County deputies arrested arson suspect in 113,000-acre Big Sur fire"](https://www.thecalifornian.com/story/news/2020/08/19/california-deputies-arrest-arson-suspect-dolan-fire-big-sur/5609484002/). *The Californian*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200916022422/https://www.thecalifornian.com/story/news/2020/08/19/california-deputies-arrest-arson-suspect-dolan-fire-big-sur/5609484002/) from the original on September 16, 2020. Retrieved September 14, 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-:0_17-0)** Cimini, Kate. ["Man who claims he lit Dolan Fire to hide murders undergoing mental health evaluation"](https://www.thecalifornian.com/story/news/2020/09/18/california-wildfires-dolan-fire-arson-murders-mental-health-evaluation/5825074002/). *The Salinas Californian*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20201031070202/https://www.thecalifornian.com/story/news/2020/09/18/california-wildfires-dolan-fire-arson-murders-mental-health-evaluation/5825074002/) from the original on October 31, 2020. Retrieved September 20, 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-18)** Duan, Mary (September 23, 2020). ["Suspect accused of sparking the massive Dolan Fire is found competent to stand trial"](http://www.montereycountyweekly.com/blogs/suspect-accused-of-sparking-the-massive-dolan-fire-is-found-competent-to-stand-trial/article_33850552-fdba-11ea-bf4b-fbc71d227de0.html). *Monterey County Weekly*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20201005193811/https://www.montereycountyweekly.com/blogs/suspect-accused-of-sparking-the-massive-dolan-fire-is-found-competent-to-stand-trial/article_33850552-fdba-11ea-bf4b-fbc71d227de0.html) from the original on October 5, 2020. Retrieved October 9, 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-19)** Smith, Hayley (April 8, 2022). ["Man convicted of setting Big Sur wildfire that killed 12 endangered condors"](https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-04-08/dolan-fire-arson). *Los Angeles Times*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20220410041816/https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-04-08/dolan-fire-arson) from the original on April 10, 2022. Retrieved April 10, 2022.

v t e Big Sur Populated places Big Sur Village Slates Hot Springs Posts Gorda Lucia Jamesburg Palo Colorado Canyon Plaskett Tassajara Hot Springs Land use Federal Los Padres National Forest Ventana Wilderness Silver Peak Wilderness Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Pfeiffer Beach State John Little State Natural Reserve Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park Joshua Creek Canyon Ecological Reserve Point Sur State Historic Park Point Sur Lighthouse Point Lobos Ishxenta State Park Garrapata State Park Limekiln State Park Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Andrew Molera State Park Southern Redwood Botanical Area Point Sur State Marine Reserve and Marine Conservation Area Big Creek State Marine Reserve and Marine Conservation Area Local / county Palo Corona Regional Park Mill Creek Redwood Preserve University Landels-Hill Big Creek Reserve Private Glen Deven Ranch El Sur Ranch Mitteldorf Preserve Palo Corona Ranch Santa Lucia Preserve Management Big Sur land use California Coastal Commission Big Sur Land Trust Big Sur Multi-Agency Advisory Council Big Sur Local Coastal Program Defense Committee South Coast Land Use Advisory Committee Geographical features Santa Lucia Range Malpaso Creek McWay Falls McWay Creek Little Sur River Big Sur River Ragged Point Anderson Canyon Palo Colorado Canyon Pfeiffer-Redwood Creek Jade Cove Sand Dollar Beach Cone Peak Pico Blanco Ventana Double Cone Junipero Serra Peak Chews Ridge Notley's Landing Big Creek Bridge Bixby Creek Bridge Pfeiffer Beach San Carpóforo Canyon Attractions Camp Pico Blanco Sykes Camp Bottchers Gap Deetjen's Big Sur Inn Point Sur Lighthouse Naval Facility Point Sur Nepenthe Esalen Institute Henry Miller Memorial Library Big Sur Condor Discovery Center Events Big Sur Folk Festival Big Sur International Marathon Big Sur Jade Festival Community Ventana Wildlife Society Ventana Wilderness Alliance Community Association of Big Sur Pacific Valley School Trails and roads Pine Ridge Trail Coast Ridge Road Old Coast Road Nacimiento-Fergusson Road Big Sur Coast Highway Palo Colorado Road Notable individuals José Abrego Ansel Adams Juan Bautista Alvarado Morley Baer Richard Brautigan John B. R. Cooper Kaffe Fassett William Randolph Hearst Robinson Jeffers Jack Kerouac Carolyn Mary Kleefeld Michael Murphy Henry Miller Emile Norman Nathaniel Owings Dick Price Elmer S. Rigdon Hunter S. Thompson Jean Varda Vilmos Zsigmond History Esselen people Salinan people Ohlone people Rancho El Sur Rancho San Francisquito Rancho San Jose y Sur Chiquito Rancho Tularcitos Rancho Milpitas Rancho San Jose y Sur Chiquito Manchester Los Burros Mining District USS Macon USS Ventura Marble Cone Fire Basin Complex Fire Soberanes Fire Dolan Fire Flora and fauna Dudley's lousewort Santa Lucia fir Yadon's rein orchid California coastal redwood Tanbark oak Coast live oak California bay laurel North American cougar Rainbow trout California condor The exact boundaries of Big Sur are loosely defined.

v t e California wildfires Pre-2007 Santiago Canyon (1889) Berkeley (1923) Matilija (1932) Griffith Park (1933) Rattlesnake (1953) Harlow (1961) Bel Air (1961) Loop (1966) Laguna (1970) Clampitt (1970) Marble Cone (1977) Agoura-Malibu (1978) Panorama (1980) 49er (1988) Painted Cave (1990) Tunnel (1991) Fountain (1992) Cleveland (1992) Kinneloa (1993) Laguna (1993) Mount Vision (1995) Pendola (1999) Jones (1999) Storrie (2000) Poe (2001) Wolf (2002) Copper (2002) Biscuit (2002) McNally (2002) Curve (2002) Williams (2002) Old (2003) Simi (2003) Cedar (2003) Power (2004) Rumsey (2004) Topanga (2005) Sawtooth Complex (2006) Day (2006) Esperanza (2006) 2007 Island Angora Zaca Moonlight October 2007 wildfires Buckweed Harris Witch Santiago Rice Corral 2008 Summit Indians Basin Complex Klamath Theater Complex Gap Telegraph Sesnon Tea Sayre Freeway Complex 2009 Jesusita La Brea Lockheed Station Guiberson 2010 Bull West Crown 2011 Lion Comanche Complex 2012 Reading Chips Barry Point Rush Ponderosa 2013 Summit Springs Powerhouse Mountain Silver Rim Clover 2014 Colby Etiwanda May 2014 San Diego County wildfires Tomahawk Poinsettia Cocos Shirley Butts Bully Happy Camp Complex Meadow King Boles 2015 Round Lake North Wragg Rocky Mad River Complex Humboldt Complex Frog Rough Jerusalem Cuesta Butte Valley Tassajara 2016 Sherpa Border San Gabriel Complex Erskine Trailhead Sand Soberanes Cold Pilot Chimney Clayton Blue Cut Rey Bogart Canyon Loma 2017 Gate Holcomb Schaeffer Salmon August Complex Manzanita Winters Alamo Wall Whittier Garza Detwiler Empire Parker 2 Young Pier Railroad Ponderosa Mud Slinkard Helena La Tuna Palmer Mission October 2017 Northern California wildfires Atlas Tubbs Canyon 2 December 2017 Southern California wildfires Thomas Creek Rye Skirball Lilac 2018 Lions Lane Pawnee Waverly County Klamathon Valley Georges Ferguson Natchez Carr Cranston Mendocino Complex Whaleback Donnell Holy Hirz Delta Camp Woolsey 2019 Sand West Butte Tucker Mountain Tenaja Walker Taboose Lime Red Bank South Lone Sandalwood Saddleridge Nustar Kincade Tick Getty Easy Maria 2020 Quail Grant Crews Soledad Mineral 2020 Lassen County wildfires Gold Loyalton Red Salmon Complex Apple August 2020 lightning wildfires Lake Dome River CZU Lightning Complex SCU Lightning Complex August Complex LNU Lightning Complex North Complex SQF Complex Dolan Creek El Dorado Bobcat Slater/Devil Oak Glass Zogg Silverado Mountain View Bond 2021 Palisades Willow Lava Tennant Salt Beckwourth Complex Tamarack Dixie McFarland Monument River Complex McCash Antelope River Caldor French KNP Complex Windy Fawn 2022 Colorado Electra Washburn Oak McKinney Red Route Border 32 Mill Fairview Mosquito SRF Lightning Complex 2023 Rabbit Deep Pika York 2024 Corral Lake Post Point Thompson SQF Lightning Complex Borel Basin Park Nixon Pedro Boise Coffee Pot Line Bridge Airport Horseshoe Mountain Franklin 2025 January 2025 Southern California wildfires Palisades Eaton Madre Orleans Complex Gifford Canyon Pickett Little TCU September Pack 2026 Sandy Fire Santa Rosa Island Fire Category

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Dolan Fire](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dolan_Fire) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dolan_Fire?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.