King City Library opens as evacuee resource center

KING CITY, Calif. (KION)

The King City Branch Library has once again opened its doors to assist fire evacuees, this time, those impacted by the Dolan Fire.

Volunteers are available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. to help provide evacuees with resources to shelters and making hotel reservations.

Water and internet access are also available for anyone who needs to come by and sit down while figuring out their next steps.

Though the turnout was low, Monterey County Free libraries Director Hillary Theyer says new fire warnings could mean more evacuations.

"I expect that's why they asked us to open because if that zone, zone 24, went on evacuation, those folks would be more likely to come to the 101 and come East," says Theyer.

"We would be right there to help them."

A Public Information Officer with Pacific Northwest Team 2, one of the teams covering the Dolan Fire, says areas in zone 24 and 27 are under an evacuation warning.

"There's structure protection going on in the area so they're assessing all the properties in the area, we're trying to keep the fire from progressing to the East and towards homes and values at risk," says Jacob Welsh.

He says the number of potentially damaged homes has not yet been confirmed.

As the fire continues to grow rapidly, the volunteers at King City say the library will remain open to evacuees as long as it is needed.