CZU August Lightning Complex Fire Update
The CZU August Lightning Complex Fire began on August 16, 2020 and included the northern area of Santa Cruz County and southern San Mateo County. Low humidity and high temperatures contributed to this burn, which encompassed over 85,000 acres total.
As of September 23, 2020:
Number of acres burned: 86,509
Percentage contained: 100%
Click here for comprehensive information from the County of Santa Cruz, including where to volunteer, how to donate, and rebuilding resources for those affected by the fire.
CZU Emergency Lodging Information
If you are seeking accommodations, please click here to view hotel availability and information.
APPLICATIONS NOW AVAILABLE FOR HOTEL EVACUEES
An online application and renewal request form is now available for evacuees utilizing the free hotel program managed by the State Department of General Services’ and supported by FEMA. CZU Lightning Fire Complex evacuees not yet placed at a hotel can click here to submit an initial, first time application for hotel program assistance.
Alternately, CZU Lightning Fire Complex evacuees already placed at a hotel can click here to request a renewal of their seven-day reservation if they are within 24 hours of their reservation’s check-out date.
These links are also available at www.santacruzcounty.us/fireresources. Applications should not be submitted more than once. Evacuees who submit multiple applications risks being rejected from the State program. Once your evacuation order is lifted, you will be required to check out of your hotel the following morning even if your seven-day reservation has not expired. You must check out of your hotel once you are able to return home. Currently, repopulated areas do not include fire damage.
The re-population process is ongoing, and evacuees should maintain awareness of current evacuation orders. If you have been evacuated, but have not been permitted to return home, you may remain in your hotel for the remainder of your seven-day reservation duration. If you are within 24 hours of the end of your seven-day reservation and are still under evacuation order, please use the online renewal request form to request an extension. For a map of evacuated areas to see if your area’s evacuation order has been lifted, click here.
HOTLINE FOR HOTEL EVACUEES
The Santa Cruz County Emergency Operations Center is pleased to announce a new hotline for evacuees utilizing the free hotel program managed by the State Department of General Services’ and supported by FEMA. CZU Lightning Fire Complex evacuees may call 831-454-2181 for the following assistance:
Evacuees already placed at a hotel may call to renew their seven-day reservation if they are within 24 hours of their reservation’s check-out date.
Current evacuees not yet placed at a hotel may apply for the program.
General program questions. Re-population of the CZU Lightning Fire Complex evacuation zone has begun. Once your evacuation order is lifted, you will be required to check out of your hotel the following morning even if your seven-day reservation has not expired. You must check out of your hotel once you are able to return home. Currently, repopulated areas do not include fire damage. Click here for more information.
Recovery Resource Center Open for Fire Victims
A Recovery Resource Center has opened to help residents impacted by the CZU Lighting Complex fire connect with the resources needed to recover and rebuild. Representatives from numerous agencies will be on hand to answer questions about disaster assistance programs and other support to help families.
Cal Fire Updates
Click here for updates on the CZU Lightning Complex Fire from Cal Fire.
Air Quality
Click here for the latest news on Santa Cruz Area Air Quality.
Area State Parks and Beaches Closures
Click here for area state park and beach closures