Loma Fire spreads to over 500 acres in Santa Cruz Mountains

SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAINS, Calif. -- Crews are battling a fast-moving fire on top of Loma Prieta in the Santa Cruz Mountains that officials say has burned over 500 acres, with the potential to possible reach 1,000 acres. It is at zero percent containment.
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Cal Fire Assistant Chief Michael Borelli says the fire broke out at 2:45 p.m. in the area of Loma Prieta and Loma Chiquita roads off of Summit Road. The area is north of the border between Santa Clara and Santa Cruz
counties, where a large plume of smoke could be seen for miles.

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According to Matt Streck with Cal Fire, it began as a structure fire and has destroyed one other structure. He adds that given the location, on top of a mountain ridge, the winds may push in the fire in many directions, which adds to the rapid growth of the fire. The drought conditions are also another factor in the fueling the flames.

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There are no reports of injuries at this time, but Borelli says evacuation orders have been issued for people in about 300 structures near the fire on Casa Loma Road, Loma Chiquita Road, and Loma Prieta Road. An evacuation center has been set up at Soquel High School for those who need a place to stay.



CHP is doing road closures Mt. Bache at Loma Preita Road, Mt. Bache at Highland and Mt. Maddona Road at Pole Line Road. Furthermore, there are voluntary evacuations issued for the KSBW Tower on the summit.

Crews from Santa Cruz and Santa Clara County are working the fire. The fire appears to be within the vicinity of buildings for radio stations KBAY-FM and KKUP-FM.
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Stay with ABC7 News for the latest details on this developing story.





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