Firefighters from Scotts Valley and Felton returned safely from the Loma fire this week, after battling the blaze for six days.
A Santa Cruz County task force led by Scotts Valley Battalion Chief Tim Theilen, arrived at the fire, located in the hills northwest of Morgan Hill, the sweltering day it began, Sept. 26.
The fire that began along Summit Road was 90 percent contained as of Tuesday afternoon, and had burned 4,474 acres and destroyed 29 structures, including 12 homes.
The task force arrived back home on Saturday, Oct. 1. Personnel from Scotts Valley Fire District include Fire Chief Butch Theilen, Capt. Pete Selling, and engineer/paramedics Garrett Grigg, Andrew LoFranco, Dennis Tetteys, and Greg Vandervoort.
Felton Fire Protection District sent Capt. Audrey Dawson, and engineer/firefighters Gretta Steingruner, Nicole Scareace and Mitch Syhler.
Firefighters from Santa Cruz and Central districts also joined the task force.
As of Tuesday, there were 986 fire fighters, 47 engines, 28 crews, three helicopters, eight bulldozers and 15 water tenders at the site. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Fire officials warned residents to make donations only at authorized locations. There have been reports of people soliciting bogus cash donations. This is illegal.
These are the authorized places to make donations:
- Salvation Army of Gilroy, 6701 Camino Arroyo, Gilroy, CA95020 Phone: 408-842-3991. Accepting donations of clothing, household goods and toys.
- Salvation Army of Santa Cruz, 812 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, CA95060 Phone: 831-429-8118. Accepting donations of clothing, bedding, materials, and food.
- Second Harvest Food Bank, 800 Ohlone Parkway, Watsonville, CA95076. Phone: 831-722-7110. Accepting bulk food donations and small items.
