CZU Lightning Complex Fires Burn 82,500 Acres; 26% Contained

SAN MATEO-SANTA CRUZ COUNTY LINE, CA — The CZU Lightning Complex of fires burning in San Mateo and Santa Cruz counties grew to 82,540 acres overnight and was 26 percent contained as of Friday morning, Cal Fire said.

The blaze has destroyed 799 structures and is threatening 13,300 more, Cal Fire officials said in an update Friday morning.

More than 2,000 firefighters are battling the fire, which was sparked by lightning on Aug. 16 in various locations across the two counties. On Thursday, several evacuation orders were lifted, with residents of Scotts Valley, Paradise Park, Cave Gulch and most San Mateo County evacuees able to return home. Additional evacuation orders were lifted Friday for residents of Mt. Hermon, Zayante, Lompico and most areas of eastern Bear Creek Road.

Santa Cruz County residents are urged to obey road closures and be wary of first responders flooding the area. Before returning, San Mateo County residents should check https://www.smcgov.org/smc-wil... to determine if their home is accessible.

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Patch editor Courtney Teague contributed to this report.