SANTA CRUZ COUNTY — Massive fires have been raging in Northern California this week, and their reach continues to grow.
The Camp Fire in Butte County, which has so far claimed five lives and engulfed thousands of structures, continues to burn. The town of Paradise has all been laid to waste after the fire quadrupled in size overnight, now reaching nearly 70,000 acres.
Smoke from the Camp Fire, among other fires that have sparked in the past couple of days, is currently impacting air quality in Santa Cruz County due to strong winds blowing south. The Monterey Bay Air Resources District has deemed the air quality in parts of Santa Cruz County unhealthy, particularly for the elderly, children and those with lung and heart disease.
The County of Santa Cruz has warned all residents to limit outdoor activity and also limit the use of wood fireplaces, gas logs, stove, candles and vacuuming — which stirs up fine particles in the air.
All schools, county parks and facilities remain open.
For those wishing to help fire victims, The North Valley Community Foundation is currently accepting donations for victims of the Camp Fire. Visit nvcf.org for information.
