It is about 23 miles North from where I live in Aptos. So far they say no structures have burned. It is in a hard to reach remote area so going to be hard to put out. The last I heard it was zero contained. I hope all those people stay safe. Thanks for asking.
Clare

Sorry Clare, I just mixed up your names. Still I am glad you are away from it this time. These fires make me so sad. I haven't lived in Ben Lomond for 7 years but that was my home for a long time. Knowing the area is burning again breaks my heart.
My husband has been on duty in Santa Cruz for the last two days. We were talking when the call for "imediate need" came out. At first it was just wildland engines they called for but within two hours the fire had doubled and they were calling for structure protection. He said they called in all off duty firefighters around 11 last night. He's supposed to be off this morning but I haven't heard from him yet so I'm guessing he's on his way up the mountain.
It sounds like the fire is burning away from Boulder Creek and the valley, so toward the ocean? I don't know for sure. There are a lot of people tucked in up there. I hope everyone states safe.

Oh, no....not another wildfire.
There is a large one in our area....the La Brea fire. Over 30,000 acres since Saturday.
Now threatening ranches.
Be safe, those of you living near the Santa Cruz fire.

Cal Fire has just called for mandatory evac of all Bonny Doon. The fire has changed directions and is pushing back up the hill. 1000 homes threatend.
Good grief, I hate this.

Yikes! That's close. Here is the current fire map -- my house is located approx. at the yellow dot. Not close enough to worry about yet, but I know people up in that area. It's also threatening Rancho Del Oso park, a favorite of mine.

The distance is about 7-8 miles as crow flies between fires and my house.

{{!gwi}}

My family also lives in Aptos, so I am watching the news for updates- I hate fires.

Trish

It's very close -- maybe 7-8 miles as the crow flies, but the trajectory is south, not east/northeast towards me -- a couple of ridges and a creek and a river and a couple of "major" local two-lane highway (Hwy 9, 236) also break the path. Basically, if the fire gets to Boulder Creek and me, half the town will be gone. I can't see that happening, at least not tonight or tomorrow. A remote smaller fire last year just over the ridge, which did not get widely reported, had me more in a tizzy about evacuating...I had the cat carriers out, fire safe in the car, important files in the car, and a gym bag with a couple changes of clothes, as well as a few things for the cats (litter, food, etc.), and a few things for me as well.
Not that it would make much difference because my house is at the peak of a canyon/creek "chimney", I did have quite a bit of fire break/ tree clearing done once I kicked the soon-to-be-ex-not-so-DH outta here. He would never do it since he prunes trees for a living and didn't want to "sacrifice" trees at home as well. 'Nuff said...

Here's a current fire map, with a little yellow dot at the top right/center showing approximately where I am.
{{!gwi}}

They are now saying it won't be contained for 2 weeks! We usually open our windows when it has been hot, like today, so we can cool the place off with the cool ocean breezes. We can't do that because the air is so filled with smoke. It is even getting into the house with the windows closed. They are advising everyone to stay inside and not breathe it if possible. And turn on your AC to filter the air. What a laugh, no one I know has AC here. I know this is a minor thing and I hope those who have houses up there stay safe.
Clare

Notice that small grey area at bottom right? That's the Martin fire area from last year. Unbelievable how much larger this fire is. There is a more current map now too. So sad. My friends parents are up on Pine Flat Rd. They've evacuated. They have a beautiful home up there. I hope that fog bank makes it all the way in. What a blessing that would be.