A wildfire that broke out between Felton and Scotts Valley midday Friday was quickly contained at 2.3 acres, as firefighters sought to quell flames in a community where memories of the 2020 CZU Lightning Complex Fire—that torched 900+ homes nearby—are all too fresh.
Cal Fire’s Glenwood Crew 3 launched its first “initial attack” of 2025 on what was termed the “Hermon Fire.”
“They climbed extremely steep terrain with heavy gear,” a Cal Fire CZU spokesperson reported on Twitter. “For some of them, it was their first fire ever. They did a great job!”
California Highway Patrol Officer Bryant Johnson, of the Santa Cruz Station, said they were called to respond at 11:36am.
He was tasked with traffic duties at Lockewood Lane / Skypark Drive—blocking people from continuing along Mount Hermon Road towards Felton.
Though the blaze sparked in between important North County population centers, worries the wildfire could grow into something resembling the CZU disaster quickly dissipated—thanks to the ability, theoretically at least, of Zayante Creek and the large quarry in the sandhills to provide natural barriers.
Nevertheless, authorities weren’t taking any chances.
“It was serious enough to get a good portion of Santa Cruz law enforcement out here to deal with it,” Johnson said. “We don’t want a repeat of the 2020 fire.”
One resident at home in a hemmed-in neighborhood told the Press Banner he was totally unaware there even was a dangerous fire a couple miles from his place.
On the other hand, Phil Bogner, 76—who also resides within the closure area—decided to head into town.
“I just left Lockhart Gulch to get some parts at the auto store,” he said. “Now they won’t let me back.”
So, ditched his vehicle and began making his way through the highlands towards his wife, with his 7-year-old maltipoo Tobey for a traveling companion.
“I’ve got a bad foot,” he remarked. “I’m not supposed to be walking.”
Nearby at Heavenly Roadside Cafe, co-owner Danny Voutos, 67, had plenty of time to contemplate matters, since he had to close up shop—on one of the biggest days of graduation season.
“My coworkers, they need their job,” he said, estimating they’d probably lost around $1,000 in business. “They need to get paid.”
Voutos said he’d heard a rumor it could have been arson, which made him speculate about the state of the world these days.
“I just don’t understand people anymore,” he said. “When you have politicians pointing fingers at politicians…I dunno.”
He didn’t think the fire was going to reach their doorstep. All the same, he was relieved to hear authorities had things under control.
“That’s good,” he said. “Trust me. I’m nervous about fires.”
Cal Fire CZU said the “Hermon Fire” was 100% contained, at 1:36pm.
By 4:42pm, Mount Hermon Road had been reopened.
