Bear fire is nearly two-thirds contained

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY » After a little rain and some cooler weather, fire crews have reached nearly the twothirds mark in containing the Bear fire.

Fire officials expect full containment by Tuesday.

Cal Fire said Saturday that the blaze had burned 391 acres and destroyed four structures, but was 65 percent contained.

Bulldozer and containment lines helped trap the wildfire between two roads — Bear Creek Road and Deer Creek Road, where the fire is believed to have started.

“That was the primary objective and it’s been achieved,” said Marco De Anda, a technical specialist for Cal Fire. “I feel optimistic because of the weather, which has cooperated over the past few days. The rain has helped to moisten those super-dry fields. The wind is low and a low-pressure system is coming in from the west.”

Temperatures are expected to get into the low 80s on Monday and Tuesday, but will then drop back down into the 60s by the end of the week.

In a sign of confidence, Cal Fire has reduced its personnel committed to fighting the fire — down from more than 500 on Friday to less than 400 on Saturday.

But difficulties continue to arise for firefighters, with fire-weakened trees and steep terrain making the fight slow and perilous.

As of late Saturday, there were nine injuries, but no other structures were threatened. Fire investigators, along with the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office, continue to look into the causes of the fire, but they have determined it started on a 30-acre property in the 800 block of Bear Creek Canyon Road.

Evacuation orders remained in place Saturday evening for Bear Creek Canyon Road, Deer Creek Road, Rons Road, Dons Road and their tributary streets in the fire area. Hartman Creek Road also remains closed.

Evacuation centers at Lakeside Elementary and Zayante Fire Protection District Station remain open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. as drop-in centers. If you are an evacuee who needs somewhere to stay overnight, call 1-866-272-2237.