CZU Lighting Complex: Fire Victim Died Trying To Flee Flames, 6 Rescued; Weather Helps Firefighters (original) (raw)

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August 24, 2020 / 2:02 PM PDT / CBS San Francisco

SCOTTS VALLEY (CBS SF) -- A 70-year-old man found dead near the coastal community of Davenport likely was killed while trying to escape the advancing CZU Lightning Complex fire (map), while six others were rescued after they became trapped by flames while trying to return to their evacuated homes, officials said Monday during an update on the battle with the massive wildfire.

Monday evening, Cal Fire officials noted that while there were 300 lightning strikes across the state that resulted in ten new fires, there were no lightning strikes in Santa Cruz or San Mateo County.

The fire complex grew overnight to more than 78,000 acres, was 13 percent contained, fire officials said. Another 24,300 structures were being threatened and thousands have been forced to evacuate their homes.

A total of 276 structures have been destroyed by the CZU Lightning Complex, according to Cal Fire officials. 1,609 firefighters are now working the fire.

With improved weather helping the firefighting efforts, Cal Fire said their six helicopters were up all day making water drops on the fire.

Fire officials also announced that investigators released new surveillance photos Monday evening in hopes they will help identify the suspect who stole a fire commander's wallet while he was fighting the CZU Lightning Complex Fire.

The CZU Lightning Complex Fire's first victim has yet to be identified. His body was found on Last Chance near what authorities believe was his vehicle.

"We are working to notify his next of kin ... as soon as we speak with the family, we will be able to provide more information," Santa Cruz County Chief Deputy Chris Clark told reporters.

When asked if the man was found inside a burned-out home, Clark said: "No he wasn't. At least preliminary it looks like he was near his vehicle, some distance away from his vehicle. Likely leaving the fire."

The 70-year-old became the sixth Bay Area resident to die in the fires that are raging from the shore of Lake Berryessa to outside Morgan Hill. Three have died in Napa County and two others in Solano County.

ALSO READ: LNU Lightning Complex: Family Mourns Deaths Of Napa Fire Victims; 'I Never Get To Hug Her'

Clark also said deputies were trying to track down four local residents who have been reported missing.

Meanwhile, San Mateo County Sheriff Deputy Sgt. Sal Zuno said six local residents who had been evacuated snuck back into their neighborhood and became trapped by flames.

"They snuck into a restricted area, they were surprised by the fire, we had to redirect resources to get them out," Zuno said. "We understand when people are evacuated they are very anxious and concerned for their properties. That's why we have law enforcement there keeping it secure 24/7. If it's restricted, do not enter it."

Santa Cruz deputies also arrested three people overnight -- including a San Francisco woman carrying several backpacks -- for illegally being in the evacuated neighborhoods.

On Monday, there was detectable air of optimism among firefighters, as progress was made and the weather was cooperating.

While the region remained under a Red Flag Fire Warning until 5 p.m., a forecast of gusty winds and numerous dry lightning strikes has yet to materialize. Cal Fire spokesman Jonathan Cox said as of 6 a.m. there had been no reported lightning strikes in the region.

"The weather hasn't been as significant as we were expecting, which is good," said Cal Fire Operations Section Chief Mark Brunton. "It has given us an opportunity to our crews to make a lot of great progress."

"Over the last 48 hours we've had a lot of success, a lot of small wins and they're starting to add up to larger wins on this incident," Cal Fire Incident Commander Billy See explained at the Monday morning press briefing.

The overnight hours were so still and quiet a lot of firefighters here were able to get some sleep.

"And that has given us an opportunity for our crews to make a lot of great progress throughout this fire," said Cal Fire Operations Section Chief Mark Brunton. "We are very confident that these lines are going to hold and do what we need them to do."

The fire continues to wind its way through the forest, but more than 1,500 personnel have it effectively surrounded, with what they believe are strong lines now on the north and south sides.

Among the top areas of concern now are the homes scattered around Bonny Doon, and the communities up and down the Highway 9 corridor.

"Again, heavy fuels, rugged terrain," Brunton says. "Putting those lines in, to hold them and establish them, is going to take time."

California Wildfire Stories

The other concern in this area continues to be security. Santa Cruz County Sheriff Jim Hart said 100 officers were patrolling and anyone not authorized to be in an evacuation zone would be arrested.

"What we're hearing from the community is that there's a lot of looting going on," Hart said.

He and county District Attorney Jeff Rosell expressed anger at what Rosell called the "absolutely soulless" of criminals victimizing people already victimized by the fire. Among them was a fire commander who was robbed when he left his fire vehicle to help direct operations.

Brunton said Sunday a thief entered the commander's department vehicle, stole personal items, including his wallet and drained his bank account.

Clark also said a deputy had been assigned to track down whoever stole a fire captain's wallet out of his truck.

"They will be found, they will be arrested," he said.

"We did make three arrests last night," said Clark. "As I've said before, and I'll continue to say, we have a lot of personnel. Last night we had a lot of personnel in today moving forward we're going to have 79 total personnel."

Wilson Walker contributed to this report.

EVACUATION WARNINGS FOR SAN MATEO COUNTY:

No Evacuation Warnings currently in place

EVACUATION ORDERS FOR SAN MATEO COUNTY:

EVACUATION WARNINGS FOR SANTA CRUZ COUNTY:

No Evacuation Warnings currently in place

EVACUATION ORDERS FOR SANTA CRUZ COUNTY:

EVACUATION CENTERS

San Mateo County

Half Moon Bay High School, 1 Lewis Foster Drive, Half Moon Bay (AT CAPACITY)

San Mateo Event Center, 1346 Saratoga Drive

Santa Cruz County

Santa Cruz County Fairground, 2601 E. Lake Avenue in Watsonville

Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium, 307 Church Street, Santa Cruz (AT CAPACITY)

Seventh Day Adventist Camp Grounds, 1931 Soquel San Jose Rd (AT CAPACITY)

Cabrillo College, 6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos CA

Santa Cruz Bible Church, 440 Frederick Street, Santa Cruz

Simpkins Family Swim Center, 919 17th Ave (ADA only)

Twin Lakes Church, 2701 Cabrillo College Drive

ROAD CLOSURES

Road closures are fluid and being coordinated with evolving evacuation warnings and orders.

San Mateo County

Santa Cruz County

Animal Evacuation Center:

Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, 2601 E. Lake Avenue in Watsonville

Large farm animals are being accepted at Cowpalace. For information and assistance contact (650) 450-0520.

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