Santa Cruz County Fire: 5 Firefighters Injured; Some Residents Evacuated

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CA — Five firefighters have been injured while 250 fire crews battle a grass fire in Santa Cruz County on Tuesday, Cal Fire officials said. The Bear Fire, which has burned about 271 acres so far, broke out along Bear Creek Canyon Road just before 10:30 p.m. on Monday. Evacuations were ordered for some residents on Deer Creek, Rons, Dons, Lost Valley, Favre Ridge and Oak Ridge roads.

One firefighter suffered a broken wrist and facial lacerations in a fall and is being flown out of the fire area, Cal Fire Division Chief Angela Bernheisel said. Another firefighter suffered smoke inhalation injuries, Bernheisel said.

The fire is about 5 percent contained. Four structures have been destroyed in the fire, Cal Fire Assistant Chief Rob Sherman said.

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Evacuation centers have been opened at Boulder Creek Elementary School at 400 W. Lomond St. in Boulder Creek and the Zayante Fire Department at 7700 E. Zayante Road in Felton. The school was closed Monday.

Road Closures:

• Highway 9 at Bear Creek Road
• Highway 35 at Bear Creek Road
• Hawk Ridge at Bear Creek Road
• Deer Creek at Bear Creek Road

This is a developing story. Refresh the page for updates.

Bay City News contributed to this report.

Photo courtesy Renee Schiavone/ Patch