CALIFORNIA — Following a wet winter, summer has now brought on bone-dry conditions and strong winds, ushering in a bold fire season. Close to two-dozen wild land fires are raging around the state.
Ten acres were scorched Tuesday in Saratoga near the Mount Eden Winery in a blaze of unknown causes. No buildings were damaged and no injuries were reported.
The Detwiler Fire, west of Yosemite, which has shut down Highway 49, has thus far burned 45,724 acres and destroyed eight homes. The Mariposa County blaze now threatens 1,500 structures and is only seven percent contained. There are scores of evacuation orders in effect as well as evacuation warnings. On Wednesday, 2,208 personnel were fighting the blaze, Cal Fire said.
Tony Fata, fire captain with Cal Fire Felton Command Post, said there are currently two strike teams on assignment from Santa Cruz County chasing down fires out of county with a total of 10 engines and 40 firefighters.
Meanwhile, the Garza Fire, 8.5 miles east of Parkfield, in Kings County and southern Monterey County, has charred 49,000 acres and is 97 percent contained, Cal Fire said Wednesday. It’s located on Tar Canyon Road near Avenal. The blaze began July 9 and thus far there have been no evacuations.
“Around Watsonville it has been the norm so far, but things can change very quickly,” said Watsonville Fire Division Chief Rob Ryan. “We’ve noticed a little more grass than normal because of the big rains.”
Ryan advised the public to maintain a safe defensible space around homes and outbuildings by cutting down weeds and grass.
“Also, if it is a hot day, avoid using power equipment outdoors because these can trigger a fire,” he said.
