CZU Lighting Complex fires up to 35 percent containment
The fires have claimed 84,600 acres since being ignited by lightning strikes on Aug. 16, destroying 755 residences and damaging 84.
The fires have claimed 84,600 acres since being ignited by lightning strikes on Aug. 16, destroying 755 residences and damaging 84.
More evacuation orders lifted in Santa Cruz County
Some evacuation orders remain in effect.
Some evacuation orders remain in effect.
Sunday evening CZU Lighting Complex Fires press conference
The press conference was held at 6 p.m. on Sunday, August 30, 2020.
The press conference was held at 6 p.m. on Sunday, August 30, 2020.
Hotline established to assist Santa Cruz County evacuees with hotel program
The hotel program is managed by the State Department of General Services and supported by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
The hotel program is managed by the State Department of General Services and supported by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
CZU fire resource center opens
Fire victims now have access to a plethora of services.
Fire victims now have access to a plethora of services.
More CZU Lighting Complex fire evacuees allowed to return home
One person has died and another person has been injured since the fires were sparked by lightning on Aug. 16.
One person has died and another person has been injured since the fires were sparked by lightning on Aug. 16.
Some evacuees allowed to return to CZU Lighting Complex Fire zone
Evacuation zones appear to be thinning out.
Evacuation zones appear to be thinning out.
CZU Lighting Complex Fires Saturday evening update
The press conference was held on Saturday, August 29, 2020 at 6 p.m.
The press conference was held on Saturday, August 29, 2020 at 6 p.m.
Setback battling CZU Lightning Fire as flames moved underground
Experts said extremely dry conditions below the surface allowed the fire to spread 1,000 acres along the only escape route available.
Experts said extremely dry conditions below the surface allowed the fire to spread 1,000 acres along the only escape route available.
Three missing men found in Santa Cruz County
Authorities asked anyone with information of their whereabouts to call the sheriff’s office at 831-471-1121.
Authorities asked anyone with information of their whereabouts to call the sheriff’s office at 831-471-1121.
Air Force sergeant pleads not guilty to murder of Santa Cruz County sheriff's deputy
Steven Carrillo, who officials say is associated with the extremist anti-government “boogaloo” group, entered the plea in the June 6 death of Santa Cruz Sgt. Damon Gutzwiller in Ben Lomond.
Steven Carrillo, who officials say is associated with the extremist anti-government “boogaloo” group, entered the plea in the June 6 death of Santa Cruz Sgt. Damon Gutzwiller in Ben Lomond.
CZU Lightning Complex Fire: Evacuation orders for most of San Mateo County lifted
As of Thursday, the CZU Lightning Complex Fire had burned 81,330 acres and was 21% contained.
As of Thursday, the CZU Lightning Complex Fire had burned 81,330 acres and was 21% contained.
Santa Cruz sheriff arrests suspect accused of stealing wallet from firefighter battling CZU Lightning Fires
Brian Lee Johnson, 37, of Live Oak allegedly confessed the crime to investigators.
Brian Lee Johnson, 37, of Live Oak allegedly confessed the crime to investigators.
Santa Cruz Co. Sheriff announces arrest into suspect who stole firefighter's wallet
The sheriff made the announcement at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 27, 2020.
The sheriff made the announcement at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 27, 2020.
'Sickening': Firefighter has wallet stolen, bank account drained during Santa Cruz fire fight
Cal Fire Operations Chief Mark Brunton called the act "saddening" and said it's the last thing crews should have to experience while they're battling out of control fires with limited resources.
Cal Fire Operations Chief Mark Brunton called the act "saddening" and said it's the last thing crews should have to experience while they're battling out of control fires with limited resources.
Neighbors with hoses target fires as crews urge them to stop
“People are frustrated with the lack of resources available. People are always going to try to sneak back in, but it sounds like this is growing to a new level,” said Ken Pimlott, who retired as director of the Cal Fire in 2018. “I haven’t seen people re-engage to this scale, particularly with the level of organization.”
“People are frustrated with the lack of resources available. People are always going to try to sneak back in, but it sounds like this is growing to a new level,” said Ken Pimlott, who retired as director of the Cal Fire in 2018. “I haven’t seen people re-engage to this scale, particularly with the level of organization.”
Christmas tree farm damaged in wildfire
Flames from the CZU Lightning Fire has destroyed years of hard work planting Christmas trees on a beloved farm in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Owners of the Crest Ranch in Bonny Doon plan to rebuild after losing a majority of their inventory.
Flames from the CZU Lightning Fire has destroyed years of hard work planting Christmas trees on a beloved farm in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Owners of the Crest Ranch in Bonny Doon plan to rebuild after losing a majority of their inventory.
Fire officials hope gains on CZU Complex Fire allows for some evacuees to return home soon
Containment continues climbing by roughly five percentage points every two days. This, as firefighters work to remove potential fire fuel before it can catch fire
Containment continues climbing by roughly five percentage points every two days. This, as firefighters work to remove potential fire fuel before it can catch fire
Cal Fire says CZU August Lightning Complex 'looking really good'
In not so good news, 538 structures have been destroyed, and all but 11 of those were in Santa Cruz County.
In not so good news, 538 structures have been destroyed, and all but 11 of those were in Santa Cruz County.
At least seven missing in Santa Cruz fire
The massive CZU Lightning Complex fire has ravaged Santa Cruz and San Mateo counties. Many residents have evacuated and are safe. But others are missing.
The massive CZU Lightning Complex fire has ravaged Santa Cruz and San Mateo counties. Many residents have evacuated and are safe. But others are missing.