Wildfires
‘Playing catch-up’: Cal Fire CZU chief Nate Armstrong prepares for hand-to-hand combat for fires to come
Nate Armstrong has gotten got a big increase in funding to prepare for what’s ahead. But with an unending fire season — and the logistical challenges and stresses — the head of the Cal Fire unit covering Santa Cruz County sees more questions than answers about the severity of the year ahead.
Peter Fire in Shasta County destroys multiple structures, prompts evacuations
The Peter fire broke out Thursday afternoon near the city of Anderson, prompting evacuation orders, authorities said.
Fire danger looking ‘grim as always’: Cal Fire CZU chief talks prevention efforts as warmer weather looms
Northern California and the state as a whole have so far avoided having a fire season similar to the past several years. But despite the encouraging trend, local Cal Fire chief Nate Armstrong told the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors last week that the next couple of months have above-normal fire potential.
Big Basin Redwoods State Park partially reopens to visitors July 22
For the first time since the CZU Complex fire devastated Big Basin Redwoods State Park in 2020, visitors can explore a limited part of the park again starting July 22. Officials will limit the number of visitors to ensure their safety in the forest and provide a good visitor experience.
As wildfire season ramps up, PG&E expands instant power shutoff program
Some Californians received a test of the earthquake early-warning system seven hours before the appointed time, waking…
Did California learn anything from the last drought? ‘Gambling’ with water continues
While some of the promises made during the previous drought have been kept, conservation efforts are slipping as well-drilling threatens groundwater.
Overworked California firefighters struggle with PTSD, suicide, fatigue, intensifying wildfires
Cal Fire faces a mental health crisis. As wildfires burn year-round, thousands of overworked California firefighters carry a heavy load of trauma, pain and grief. They leave a fire but the fire never leaves them.
Left out to dry: Sprinkler requirements the next hurdle for beleaguered CZU rebuilders
As more families in the Santa Cruz Mountains begin the rebuilding process nearly two years after losing their homes in the CZU Lightning Complex fire, another issue has become evident: a fire sprinkler requirement, and a lack of adequate water pressure for all affected families. Some say this could hinder their ability to get home more so than before: “What can I do, just move in and face possible red-tagging?”
Reimagining Big Basin: Following CZU fire devastation, what should the park become?
The devastating CZU Complex fire that burned 97% of Big Basin Redwoods State Park is giving way to new growth — and new plans, including tribal involvement, as the 120-year-old park comes back to life.
