Fireworks Possibly Sparked Three Fires In Santa Cruz County

Fireworks may have sparked three fires at Twin Lakes State Beach in Santa Cruz County early this morning, a Central Fire Protection District spokesman said.

Around 4 a.m., firefighters responded to a report from a Live Oak resident who saw smoke and an orange glow near the Simpkins Swim Center located at 979 17th Ave. just east of Santa Cruz, fire district spokesman Mike DeMars said. Crews were initially were told the blaze was possibly at a structure, they arrived to find a vegetation fire near the beach’s park area, according to DeMars.

Firefighters learned there were three separate fires that were under control about 30 minutes later, he said.

Once the fires were out, crews found used wine and beer bottles in the impacted area, DeMars said. Fireworks were also found in one of the three spots where the fire broke out, according to Demars.

The cause of the fire is under investigation, but fireworks are suspected to have played a role, DeMars said.

--Bay City News/Shutterstock image