On August 16, 2020, a severe lightning storm ignited the CZU Lightning Complex Fire, devastating over 86,000 acres and destroying nearly 1,500 buildings in Santa Cruz and San Mateo counties. Resident Sarah Johnston experienced the terrifying onset of the fire firsthand. Living in Aldercroft Heights, a community vulnerable due to its single evacuation route, she voiced concerns over emergency preparedness. As fire agency resources strained, residents felt increasingly isolated and worried about timely evacuations should another fire arise. Many surrounding communities share similar vulnerabilities, highlighting ongoing issues of infrastructure and fire management.
The winds that blew through the Santa Cruz Mountains sounded like a jet engine the night that Sarah Johnston watched a tree erupt into flames from the window of her Aldercroft Heights home.
I knew how taxed all these fire agencies were, and I realized that there probably wasn't anybody who was going to come and help us if we had a similar lightning strike in our neighborhood.
Johnston has never had to evacuate in the 25 years she's lived in the mountains, but worries about whether they would be able to get everyone out fast enough.
The majority of these communities are located in the Santa Cruz Mountains and the hillsides of Saratoga and Los Gatos and have aging populations and infrastructure.
#czu-lightning-complex-fire #santa-cruz-mountains #evacuation-challenges #community-safety #fire-management
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