Evacuation Orders Lifted for Freedom and Panther Fires 01-20-21 15:06 DC
CAL FIRE: Evacuation Orders Lifted in Freedom and Panther Fires
WHAT: Santa Cruz County, repopulation of areas affected by the Freedom and Panther Fires
WHERE: (zone: APT-E010A) Nunes Road, Gilette Road, Bens Way, Halton Lane (zone: CRZ-E014A) Panther Ridge Road and Stapp Road Areas
WHEN: Effective Immediately On January 19, 2021, a significant wind event swept through San Mateo and Santa Cruz Counties. This resulted in downed trees, tree limbs, and power lines across the region, and presumably sparked more than 18 vegetation fires within an 18 hour time period.
Winds continued to hamper firefighting efforts throughout the day, but as night fell, conditions improved. Firefighters were able to grow containment lines. Most, if not all of these vegetation fires are expected to be contained by this evening, fewer than 48 hours after this major wind event.
In all, more than 100 acres burned across the Santa Cruz Mountains. Fortunately, no homes were lost, and there were no reported injuries to either residents or first responders.
CAL FIRE CZU Unit Chief Ian Larkin says, “With the lack of rainfall in the winter months, our fuels are remaining receptive to fire year-round and people need to be vigilant.”
KNOW YOUR ZONE: For information on current evacuations, visit zonehaven.com For information on how to create Defensible Space, on how to be prepared for wildfires, as well as tips to prevent wildfires, visit readyforwildfire.org