Loma Fire: Blaze Grows To 4,474 Acres With Containment at 66% [LATEST]

SANTA CLARA and SANTA CRUZ COUNTIES, CA – The Loma Fire burning in the Santa Cruz Mountains is 66 percent contained at 4,474 acres, Cal Fire officials said today.

The wildfire, which grew slightly overnight, began around 2:45 p.m. Monday near Loma Prieta and Loma Chiquita roads in southern Santa Clara County, 10 miles northwest of Morgan Hill.

The blaze has destroyed 12 homes and 16 outbuildings and damaged one other home. It is currently threatening 163 other structures, according to Cal Fire officials.

Cal Fire also warns residents of solicitors seeking donations throughout the communities affected by the Loma Fire.

"They are reportedly requesting cash for operations related to base camp at Christmas Hill Park and firefighting efforts associated with the fire." Cal Fire officials said. "Cal Fire cannot, is not, and will not accept donations for the Loma Fire Incident. It is against the law for California state agencies to solicit or accept any donation for its own use."

An evacuation center is operating at Morgan Hill Presbyterian Church at 16970 De Witt Ave. in Morgan Hill.

Southeasterly winds have sent smoke from the fire into Santa Clara County and other parts of the Bay Area that has affected air quality, according to the Bay Area Air Quality Management District.

Air district officials recommend residents limit their time outdoors, close windows and doors while indoors and prevent outside air from entering by changing settings on their air conditioning units and car
ventilation systems to recirculate air.

Smoke exposure can lead to irritated eyes, coughing, scratchy throat and inflamed sinuses, district officials said.

Increased smoke is expected to spread through the county in the coming days and week, according to Santa Clara County public health officials.

Older adults, children and people with respiratory issues are advised to limit their time outdoors when they see or smell smoke, public health officials said.

Santa Cruz County public health officials are also keeping an eye on the air quality.

Anyone experiencing repeated coughing, tightness or pain in their chest, wheezing, difficulty breathing or nausea should contact their medical provider, public health officials said.

Nearly 2,000 fire personnel are fighting the blaze today using 119 fire engines, 10 helicopters, 13 bulldozers and 17 water tenders, Cal Fire officials said.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

As for donations ...

Cal Fire requests donations not be brought to the Loma Fire Base Camp. While greatly appreciated, the camp is well supplied and self-sufficient, officials said.

The Red Cross does not have the facilities to accept food or goods, but can accept monetary donations: https://www.redcross.org/donat...

Loma Fire food or goods donations can be delivered to the following locations:

--Bay City News contributed to this report/Image via Santa Clara Co. Fire Department