Crews protect structures near Dolan Fire

ARROYO SECO, Calif. (KION) In Arroyo Seco, firefighters doused the dry landscape with water. Hose lines were laid throughout the small neighborhood at the entrance of Los Padres National Forest.

"This is structure protection in the event that the fire move closer this way," explained Dolan Fire spokesperson, Jacob Welsh.

In the same area, crews defended a Los Padres National Forest Guard Station. On Tuesday, a guard station off Nacimiento-Fergusson Road was destroyed in the fire. Three firefighters were flown to a Fresno hospital after enduring burns and inhaling smoke. Officials said they are recovering and in stable condition.

"In the 20 years I've worked in this business, this is one of the most unique and catastrophic situations that I've experienced," said Welsh.

In 24 hours, the Dolan Fire grew nearly 18,000 additional acres. It now spans 111,382 acres in size and is 26% contained.

Welsh said crews are fighting the fire back on multiple fronts and spreading resources. "We have a few different camps. We have folks in Pacific Valley. We have people in Big Sur. We also have people on the east side at Fort Hunter Liggett," said Welsh.

Welsh said the goal is to prevent the fire from moving further East and reaching communities like in Arroyo Seco.

The fire has destroyed 14 structures and damaged four.

"You can't hike into some of those areas. We're trying to identify ridge lines and areas that we can be successful at stopping the fire from spreading," said Welsh.