Crime & Safety
Here's How Much The CZU Firefight Cost: Report
The CZU August Lightning Complex Fire was among the most destructive in California history.
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CA — Officials spent more than $68 million putting out last year's CZU August Lightning Complex Fire, the Los Angeles Times reported.
The blaze was among the most destructive in state history. And it was Santa Cruz County's worst wildfire ever, the Times reported.
The fire was sparked in the Santa Cruz Mountains amid an August lightning storm. Cal Fire's San Mateo-Santa Cruz Unit chief declared it controlled — meaning firefighters believed there was no chance of reignition — four months after the fire was started.
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The blaze killed one person and scorched more than 85,500 acres and destroyed nearly 1,500 buildings across San Mateo and Santa Cruz counties, though communities in the mountains of Santa Cruz County sustained most of the damage. The region was blanketed in ash and Big Basin Redwoods State Park was forced to close indefinitely due to damage.
Debris flow remains a potential concern in the area of the burn scar. Residents have been urged to stay alert amid recent rainstorms.
Find out what's happening in Santa Cruzfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
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