All but one fire engine strike team from the Monterey-San Benito
CalFire base in Hollister helped fight the Summit Fire in the Santa
Cruz Mountains, Assistant Fire Chief Reno DiTullio said.
Also with this story: photo gallery of the fire, and an
interactive map.
All but one fire engine strike team from the Monterey-San Benito CalFire base in Hollister helped fight the Summit Fire in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Assistant Fire Chief Reno DiTullio said.
After scorching 4,270 acres of land and destroying 94 structures, including 31 residences, the Summit Fire was declared “100 percent contained” at 6 p.m. Wednesday, said CalFire Fire Prevention Specialist Chris Morgan.
“Our folks did great out there,” DiTullio said. “They still have to get their equipment checked out and will be leaving in shifts, but I wouldn’t be surprised if the last team was back this afternoon.”
DiTullio said no firefighters under his command were seriously injured beyond the “expected twisted ankles and strained shoulders” common during a fire. He also said that all the local firefighters who fight the Summit Fire had at least one year of experience, and that new recruits are getting ready to fight upcoming fires.
Morgan, speaking for the entire CalFire effort, said 12 minor injuries were reported and that he expected the fire to be completely out today.
“Wind was the story of this fire,” Morgan said. “The first part of the fire was very intense and it got very large, very fast.”
More than 2,500 people from 13 cooperating agencies battled the Summit Fire, which is expected to cost more than $12 million. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
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