Deer Fire Cause and Origin Determined by CalFire
On Tuesday, September 3, 2019 at approximately 1:50 p.m. units from CAL FIRE, along with multiple local Santa Cruz County fire agencies, responded to a reported vegetation fire on Deer Creek Road near Boulder Creek in unincorporated Santa Cruz County.
The fire, known as the Deer Fire, burned over 10 acres of State Responsibility Area (SRA) land and required over one hundred firefighters and multiple aircraft to bring under control. The fire injured one firefighter, destroyed one outbuilding and threatened several other homes in the area.
CAL FIRE has determined the Deer Fire was caused by hot embers escaping from illegal burning of garbage in a burn barrel, landing in a receptive fuel bed. The fire originated on a privately owned parcel off Deer Creek Road. CAL FIRE law enforcement investigators are completing their investigation.
KBCZ 90.1 FM Connected
The season’s first fire event was broadcast by KBCZ 90.1 FM Boulder Creek Community Radio (streaming at kbcz.org). On-air personnel delivered calm, regular updates and shared information about what listeners could do to get ready for an evacuation, just in case. Station manager, Tina Davey covered the front office, phones, and the Facebook page, supplying Chef Eric with updates to announce over the air. “Several people commented in person how good the coverage was, and we received lots of online kudos and gratitude. Our online info was shared by KSBW, KION, and Santa Cruz Mountain Bulletin; and Boulder Creek Neighbors made our post the official “thread to follow.” During a potentially disastrous event, the community relies on the diligence of local communication resources.
Legal Ramifications and Wildfire Preparedness
CAL FIRE reminds the public that backyard burning, burning garbage, and use of burn barrels are strictly prohibited. Anyone found responsible for causing a fire could face criminal or civil penalties as well the financial costs associated with suppressing the fire.
To learn more about preparing for wildfire visit: www.readyforwildfire.org