Firefighters Battled Pogonip Wildfire Sunday

SANTA CRUZ, CA — A warming fire in Pogonip Open Space Preserve grew quickly to a small wildfire Sunday afternoon thanks to heavy winds.

There were no injuries reported.

The Santa Cruz Fire Department sent 26 firefighters to battle the blaze in the area of Highway 9 and Golf Club Drive, according to a statement from the department. Firefighters took 45 minutes to control the one-acre fire amid difficult, windy conditions and spent a total of three hours on scene.

Callers initially reported smoke, but more people began phoning in to report the fire was apparently growing, firefighters said. There was heavy smoke in the area and firefighters struggled to find the fire at first.

Firefighters determined the fire originated in a 55-gallon drum. They continue to investigate who was responsible, firefighters said.

Firefighters warned the public of illegal burning in open spaces.

"Until we receive a significant amount of rain, we remain in a heightened threat of wildfire and adhere a zero-tolerance policy," the fire department said.