With inmate crews that supplement other agencies’ firefighting units cut drastically and extremely dry conditions amid the ongoing drought, a Cal Fire chief sounded a warning about what might be ahead for Santa Cruz County.
Wildfires
Posted inLatest News
Crews to mop up 11.75-acre Sandy Fire in CZU Lightning Complex burn scar Tuesday
The Sandy Fire grew to an estimated 7-10 acres Monday afternoon in the Big Basin area, per a Cal Fire update, with water drops on the way.
Posted inEnvironment
Santa Cruz’s ‘Fire Followers’ document phoenix-like flowers rising from ashes of CZU blaze
Citizen scientists are helping the professionals track what’s growing in areas ravaged by last year’s conflagration — and, naturalists hope, gaining some understanding of fire’s important role in a forest’s life cycle.
Posted inLatest News
Holiday weekend heat: Enhanced fire risk as mountains expected to hit mid-90s; wind projections low
Mountain residents will have a hot Memorial day with highs in the mid-90s, while coastal communities will stay cool thanks to mild onshore breezes. Though this heatwave will be short and mild, it’s a reminder of the hotter, windier weather that is likely to occur in late summer.
Posted inLatest News
Another summer of California power outages poses threat to Newsom as he faces recall
As the COVID pandemic wanes, potential summer and fall outages are a test for a governor whose first term has been defined by emergencies beyond his control.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Last Chance’s best chance? County program takes less-restrictive approach to rebuild for CZU Fire victims
Santa Cruz County is relaxing building codes to help ease the burden on residents of the remote community between Big Basin and Davenport ravaged by last summer’s wildfires.
Posted inLatest News
It’s California wildfire season. But firefighters say federal hotshot crews are understaffed
The federal government’s elite firefighting “hotshot” crews are stretched thin, leaving the agency understaffed as fire scientists forecast a tough year.
Posted inLatest News
Gusty winds, elevated fire risk on tap for Santa Cruz Mountains
The National Weather Service is warning that wind gusts up to 50 mph could bring elevated fire risk to the Santa Cruz Mountains from 5 p.m. Wednesday until 5 a.m. Thursday.
Posted inLatest News
Wildfire Resource Center Part 3: What to do during a wildfire
DURING A WILDFIRE: This section of Lookout’s Wildfire Resource Center covers how to deal with wildfire when it happens. Topics include monitoring weather and air quality, ensuring you’re ready for an evacuation, and how you can volunteer or donate to those in need.
Posted inLatest News
Wildfire Resource Center Part 2: What to do during the dry season, when fire risk is high
MAY 1 — NOV. 30, “FIRE SEASON”: This section of Lookout’s Wildfire Resource Center covers wildfire preparedness during the warm, dry months of the year. Tips include creating an evacuation plan for your family, pets and neighbors, signing up for official alerts, and how to be a responsible camper.