‘Summit Fire’ Burns Santa Cruz Mountains

More than 3,100 acres in the mountains of Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties (California) burnt while fire crews from Sonoma, Lake and Napa counties helped battle the large blaze located near Summit Road and Maymen Flats, south of the town of Loma Prieta, Calif.

With 21 percent of the “Summit Fire” contained, 500 residential structures and 20 commercial structures remain threatened. Public Information Officer, Henry Kayuff, Cal Fire, reported no injuries or fatalities. He said the fire destroyed 21 structures so far.

Fire official called for the evacuation of all residents in the areas of Eureka Canyon Road, Ormsby Cutoff Road, Summit Road, Buzzard, Lagoon and Vaca De Sol — all in Santa Cruz County.

Kayuff said fog along the coast brought in moisture overnight giving firefighters the edge. But the fog lifted this morning and wind is expected. “We’re waiting to see how the wind picks up and where it goes ,” Said Kayuff.

On the scene, cooperating agencies including CAL FIRE, County, OES, CHP and the Sheriff’s Office have more than 500 firefighters, 38 fire crews, 164 engines, 7 airtankers, 11 helicopters, 31 dozers and 12 water tenders.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a state of emergency for Santa Cruz County and intends to visit the fire scene as soon as possible.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.