Santa Cruz CZU Lightning Complex Fire: City ECO Activated, Residents Should Get Ready

Press release from the City of Santa Cruz:

August 21, 2020

SANTA CRUZ, CA — As of 9 a.m., the City of Santa Cruz has activated its emergency operations center. The current operation’s will focus on mitigating risk within the City limits and engaging residents to prepare their homes. The EOC augments the work of the County of Santa Cruz and Cal Fire within the active fire zone.

The region’s capacity to fight this fire has increased substantially since yesterday. The weather has turned more favorable, and firefighters from around the west have joined our forces. Significant fire control lines have been cut to secure the perimeter of the City.

Retired firefighters, CERT volunteers, lifeguards and neighborhood leaders are proactively canvassing neighborhoods along Western Dr. and High Street to help them get prepared.

“We are optimistic that we are not going to have to evacuate. We are optimistic that the fire is not going to impact the City of Santa Cruz. However, we are making plans in case it does happen,” said City of Santa Cruz Fire Chief Jason Hajduk.

The biggest threat to homes and structures are ember ignitions within 0 to 100 feet of your home. To protect against threat, residents should prepare their homes immediately:

• Gather flammable items from the exterior of the house. Bring patio furniture, toys, doormats and trashcans inside.
• Remove flammable vegetation. This includes from exteriors and gutters.
• Leave exterior lights on. Your home should stay visible at night.
• Check on neighbors. Make sure they are preparing to leave.

This press release was produced by the City of Santa Cruz. The views expressed here are the author’s own.