By Jon Chown
SANTA CRUZ — The county isn’t sharing any information regarding the investigation into the arson attack on the Santa Cruz County Fire’s McDermott Station at 7276 Empire Grade Road.
At approximately 4:43 a.m. on Wednesday, March 18, sheriff’s deputies responded to reports of a water tender engulfed in flames at the station. The fire had been extinguished by firefighters at the scene, but the 2024 Kenworth T48 Fouts Fire tanker was a complete loss.
A search of the station was conducted and based on preliminary findings, the incident is believed to be arson.
No injuries were reported and due to the rapid response of firefighters, the station itself was saved. While the building sustained some water and smoke damage, mitigation efforts are underway, and the county said that resources have been relocated to ensure there is no disruption to emergency services in the community.
The Sheriff’s Office is working in coordination with the Santa Cruz County Fire Department and CAL FIRE investigators on the case. Ashley Keehn, public information officer for the county, said the investigation was ongoing, but nothing else. Questions about what led investigators to believe it was arson, whether the station’s surveillance equipment was working and whether there was video were deliberately not answered.
McDermott Station is located at the intersection of Empire Grade, Ice Cream Grade and Felton-Empire Road. The station was constructed in 2004. According to the Santa Cruz County Department Long-Range Master Plan created in 2023, it is equipped with sprinklers and there is a security camera in the apparatus bay. The ground floor is occupied by volunteer quarters. The second floor is primarily used for equipment storage.
The station is designed to house three vehicles and act as a disaster center for the Bonny Doon area. There are 16 firefighters assigned between the Bonny Doon and McDermott fire stations, according to the Master Plan.
A water tanker of the type destroyed could cost up to $1 million to replace. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Jordan Malone at 831-454-7636.
TOP IMAGE Courtesy of Santa Cruz County