By Jon Chown
A status update given to the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors during its May 19 meeting has shed a little light on the extent of the damage done by an arson attack at the McDermott Fire Station on March 18.
Investigators believe it was arson, but all other information regarding the incident has been closely guarded by the county, especially what led investigators to believe it was arson, whether security cameras captured the incident, were working or had even been installed.
According to the county’s status report given to supervisors, the incident originated in the apparatus bay, and more than just the fire tanker was damaged. A Type 3 Engine parked beside it was also damaged, as well as the apparatus bay doors. Smoke damage extended throughout portions of the station.
In all, repairs are expected to exceed $193,393, which does not include replacing the fire tanker, according to the status update.
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. n
TOP PHOTO: Courtesy of Santa Cruz County