On Aug. 16, around 1 a.m., a rare lightning storm entered Santa Cruz County from the south, bringing whipping winds, rain, and multiple lightning strikes. During the first 14-hour period, CalFire Santa Cruz County responded to 22 presumed lightning-sparked fires.
Given the current fire and weather conditions, no communities are threatened, and no evacuation orders or warnings have been issued. Resources are limited due to the number of fires burning throughout the region.
The Waddell Fire is located near Highway 1 just south of the San Mateo-Santa Cruz County line. It is burning on the coastal bluff north of Waddell Creek. It is 50 acres and there is no containment.
The Warnella Fire, located just north of Davenport near Highway 1 has burned 40 acres and is 5% contained.
In the Butano Drainage, there are three fires, burning in large tracks of land ownership between State Parks and private timberland. There are no nearby communities. Smoke is expected to be visible throughout the region.
Visit fire.ca.gov for updates.
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Editor’s Note: Did you take a photograph of the lightning storm? Share it with us by emailing [email protected].