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Category: Fire Recovery

Bonny Doon CZU Fire Fire Recovery 

Five Years After the CZU Complex Fire, Bonny Doon is Smaller, but Closer.

Max Guerra
By Max Guerra Five years after the CZU Complex Fire burned over 80,000 acres and destroyed 911 homes in the Santa Cruz Mountains, only 160 have been rebuilt, leaving many neighborhoods dramatically transformed and still grappling with the long road to recovery. Rebuilding in the burn scar of the CZU fires has come with complex barriers. Local bureaucracy ensures that… Read More
Shaded Fuel Break Miller Property County Park Fire Recovery Local News Parks 

Miller Property County Park Shaded Fuel Break Project

slvpost.com
The Miller Property County Park Shaded Fuel Break Project is a collaborative effort between Santa Cruz County Parks and CAL FIRE to reduce wildfire risk, strengthen community resilience, and improve forest health along Kings Creek Road in Boulder Creek. A shaded fuel break is a strategically treated strip of forest designed to slow the spread and intensity of wildfire —… Read More
Oak Woodland prescribed burn Fire Recovery Local News 

CAL FIRE CZU Plans Controlled Burn in Oak Woodland for Post-Fire Recovery

slvpost.com
On Friday, October 10, 2025, weather permitting, CAL FIRE CZU will conduct a controlled burn of approximately 40 acres of grass, brush, and dead trees at Locatelli Ranch in Santa Cruz County. The burn area lies within the CZU August Lightning Complex footprint, see map below. Santa Cruz County Vegetation Management Forester Scott Bullock explains, “Our aim is to clear… Read More
Reimagining Big Basin Fire Recovery Local News Parks 

Reimagining Big Basin: A Vision for Recovery 

Mary Andersen
By Mary Andersen Image above: The proposed Saddle Mountain welcome center will provide an entry to the park, welcome center and shuttle parking to access the park on weekends. The hub will will overlook a restored meadow and include a park store and bistro. Nearly five years after the CZU Lightning Complex Fire tore through California’s oldest state park, the… Read More
New growth quilt Laura Fogg Fire Recovery Local News 

CZU Lightning Complex Fire: Five Years Later, a Community Commemorates

slvpost.com
Pictured above, a commemorative quilt titled New Growth by quilt artist Laura Fogg. For the Big Basin Art About project Laura wrote, “My assumption, upon visiting Big Basin for the first time after the fire, was that I would be witness to total devastation. Instead I found myself surrounded by health. Almost all of the burned trees are sprouting vigorous… Read More
Felton FIre Protection District board meeting Fire Recovery Local News Public Agencies 

Felton Fire Loses Chief, Service Contract with Ben Lomond

Jesse Kathan
Some Felton firefighters have said the agency is not prepared to respond to 911 calls without Ben Lomond Fire’s support. (Photo Jesse Kathan — Santa Cruz Local) By Jesse Kathan, Santa Cruz Local This story was originally published by Santa Cruz Local. Sign up for their weekly newsletters. Felton Fire Board of Directors meetings FELTON >> Ben Lomond Fire directors… Read More
Boulder Creek Santa Cruz CZU fire photo by Mary Andersen Fire Recovery Government 

4Leaf Recovery Permit Center Services Will Transition to Planning Department

slvpost.com
The County’s contract with 4Leaf is set to expire at the end of the year. The project management firm has been providing building permit assistance to residents who are rebuilding after experiencing loss or damage to their homes after the CZU fire. The Planning department will resume all Recovery Permit Center services by January 1, 2025. 3rd District Supervisor Justin… Read More