x
Breaking News
More () »

Donnell Fire destroys popular Dardanelle mountain resort

The fire, which sparked up August 1 near the Donnell Reservoir inlet, gained ground over the weekend and destroyed dozens of structures.

The more than 14,000 acre Donnell Fire destroyed much of the historic Dardanelle Resort in rural Tuolumne County.

The convenience store, restaurant, and RV camping sites were destroyed at the mountain resort, located about 40 miles East of Sonora.

The Dardanelle Resort posted on their Facebook that they are grateful that the motel still stands. The owner, Jim Lewis, and his family purchased the property this year and lived at the property, according to a GoFundMe set up by family members to help rebuild the resort.

The fire, which sparked up August 1 near the Donnell Reservoir inlet, gained ground over the weekend and destroyed dozens of structures.

“The structures were historic and that historic presence in the environment is felt almost as acutely as the loss of the actual amenities,” said Scott Tangenberg with the U.S. Forest Service Stanislaus National Forest.

About 500 fire personnel are battling the blaze, which has claimed at least 26 structures and now threatens more than 1,000. Containment has remained at 5 percent since Monday, but crews expect to have the blaze under control by September 1.

A 25-mile stretch of highway 108 is closed and mandatory evacuations are in effect at Eagle Meadow Road to the top of Sonora Pass.

Continue the conversation with Giacomo on Facebook.

Before You Leave, Check This Out