Illegal Campfires Responsible For Santa Cruz Blazes: Officials

SANTA CRUZ, CA -- Cal Fire officials said a collection of blazes near state Highway 9 in the past two weeks in Santa Cruz County have been started due to illegal campsite fires.

The fires have injured four firefighters and scorched 21 acres, officials said.

Fire officials said outdoor burning has been banned by the California Department of Forestry in San Mateo and Santa Cruz counties since September and anyone responsible for starting a fire may be held responsible with civil or criminal penalties.

--Bay City News/Shutterstock image