GoFundMe created for firefighter injured while fighting the Dolan Fire
BIG SUR, Calif. (KION) A GoFundMe has been created for a Fire Captain who was critically injured while fighting the Dolan Fire.
It was created by Tina Nott, who said her fiance, Casey Allen, was the firefighter from the Pacific Valley Station injured. She writes that he is still in the hospital recovering from severe burns, and because they will need services provided by the hospital for at least the next year, they are not able to return to their home in Big Sur.
Nott said Allen is a Santa Maria native who has served with the Los Padres National Forest for more than 25 years.
He was in early September when a portion of the guard station was destroyed. Fourteen firefighters were assigned to the area to protect the station, but they were forced to deploy their fire shelters, which are considered a last chance for survival.
Three firefighters were injured and flown to Fresno Regional Hospital for treatment. Two of the firefighters have already been released.
"The day after this horrific incident, I was able to see him in the hospital which was the one and only time he could have a visitor due to COVID-19. The first thing he asked me was, 'Is everyone on my team alright?'" Nott wrote.
The Dolan Fire, which started on Aug. 18 near Limekiln State Park, has burned 124,924 acres and is 98% contained. A man accused of starting the fire is being charged with aggravated arson.
