Santa Cruz County

Emergency Operations Center

Press Release

Summit Fire #6

Date:               May 23, 2008
Time:               11:01 AM
Release:           Immediately
Contact:           Dinah Phillips
Santa Cruz County Public Information Officer

Fire:

• CalFire estimates 3,400 acres burned, 500 homes and 20 commercial structures threatened, and 20% containment.
• The fire has changed from a wind-driven fire to a fuel-driven fire.
• 500-700 fire personnel, 38 fire crews, 164 engines, 7 air tankers, 10 helicopters assigned to the fire

Evacuations/Damage Assessment:

• All previously announced evacuations remain in effect; none have been added. These evacuations affected approximately 500 residences.
• To report damage to private structures in the unincorporated area, call 454-3171.

Shelter

• Red Cross reports approximately 24 people sheltered at the Fairgrounds last night.

Schools

• All Pajaro Valley Unified School District schools are closed due to concerns about air quality. PVUSD comprises 27 schools with 18, 000 students.

Roads closed:

• All previously closed roads remain closed; none have been added.

Volunteers

• Santa Cruz Volunteer Center is coordinating volunteers: 427-5070.
• Persons wishing to assist with care of pets or large animals should contact the Animal Services authority at 454-7303.
• Persons wishing to contribute feed for horses at the Fairgrounds should bring bales of grass hay.