On Friday, September 11, at approximately 11:30 p.m., a fire destroyed the house of 27 year old Hunter Pendleton. The fire destroyed not only his home but also 300 marijuana plants and 3 acres in the Santa CruzMountains.
A generator used in the cultivation of marijuana started the fire which spread and caused a wildfire that threatened nearby residences.
Pendleton was arrested on suspicion of illegally growing marijuana. His bare feet were burned but he was at the property when the Santa CruzCounty sheriff’s deputies and the firefighters arrived. Sheriff’s Lt. Kelly Kent said that the response team had observed several cars leaving the property.
The fire was contained by about 3:00 a.m.
