Historic California resort burns in raging Donnell Fire north of Yosemite

The Dardanelle Resort Facebook page featured an image by Modesto Bee photographer Marty Bicek of the resort set against wildfire flames. Many in the comments mourned the major damage to the resort. The Dardanelle Resort Facebook page featured an image by Modesto Bee photographer Marty Bicek of the resort set against wildfire flames. Many in the comments mourned the major damage to the resort. Photo: Facebook Screen Shot / Dardanelle Resort Photo: Facebook Screen Shot / Dardanelle Resort Image 1 of / 8 Caption Close Historic California resort burns in raging Donnell Fire north of Yosemite 1 / 8 Back to Gallery

The Dardanelle Resort near Sonora Pass was devoured overnight by the Donnell Fire racing across the bone-dry vegetation of the Stanislaus National Forest north of Yosemite.

The owners of this historic resort, first opened in 1923, posted a message on Facebook saying the property had suffered "massive structural damage."

"We are heartbroken and struggling with this news. The outpouring of love and support from the community has been incredible," a message posted Monday morning read. "Prayers to the local cabin owners and Camp Jack Hazard."

The rustic resort sits across from the Stanislaus River and consisted of a motel, restaurant, cabins and RV sites. New owners made many improvements to Dardanelle in the past year, and many mourned its loss in the message on Facebook that included a photo taken by Modesto Bee photographer Marty Bicek of raging flames behind the motel.

"This picture makes me sick to my stomach because that orange glow is exactly where our cabin is," shared Wren Helbock. "Oh god I am so sorry for everyone."

"I'm so sorry & sad. This year our 'Roberson reunion' was amazing bc of you guys," shared Laina Vann. "I know that your family had big dreams & were already doing such a great job restoring Dardanelles. You guys are young and will persevere! I'm heartbroken. Much love to you and yours."

"Dardanelles is part of my family - I've been going there since I was 3 or 4 (maybe longer). A very sad morning - sorry for your (our) loss," added Dan Macon.

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Extreme fire behavior Sunday night led the Donnell Fire to jump Highway 108 at Brightman Flat and forced fire crews to disengage from the fire's intense edge. The fire consumed numerous structures in the area of Dardanelle and Brightman Flat, the Tuolumne County Sheriff's office reports.

The Donnell Fire has raced across more than 12,000 acres since it started on Aug. 1 on the east side of Donnell Lake. The blaze was 1 percent contained as of Monday. The U.S. Forest Service closed a stretch of the Pacific Crest Trail from Highway 108 to Highway 4 on Monday due to the proximity of the Donnell.

Highway 108 at Eagle Meadow Road to Kennedy Meadows (all residences and campgrounds) and Eagle Meadow Road (5NO1) are all under mandatory evacuation.

The fire is burning mainly along the north bank of the Middle Fork of the Stanislaus River in steep and inaccessible terrain with heavy standing dead and down timber, the Forest Service reports.