Sunday, May 25, 2008

Summit Fire- New Evacs Ordered

SANTA CLARA CO.: MANDATORY EVACUATIONS ISSUED FOR SANTA CLARA COUNTY

The Santa Clara County Office of Emergency Services today issued the county's first mandatory evacuations and road closures due to the Summit Fire after the blaze crossed over the Santa Cruz-Santa Clara county borders.

Approximately 50 residents in the area of Croy and McPhee roads near Morgan Hill north of the fire were forced to leave their homes today, the office of emergency services reported.

Five roads have been closed to the public as well. Hazel Dell Road was closed due to fire equipment access, Croy Road was closed to evacuate residents due to the fire's proximity and Eureka Canyon, Loma Prieta and Buzzard Lagoon roads were closed due to fire activity, according to the office of emergency services.

There is no estimated time when the roads will reopen or when residents can return to their homes.

The American Red Cross Santa Clara Valley Chapter opened a shelter for evacuees at Live Oak High School, located at 1505 East Main Ave. in Morgan Hill.

Food, water and mental health services are provided but the shelter cannot accommodate animals. Residents with questions about livestock and domestic pets may call the Santa Clara County Animal Shelter at (408) 686-3900.

For additional shelter information, residents may call the Red Cross at (408) 577-1000.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a state of emergency for Santa Clara County today to ensure financial resources are available to fight the Summit Fire, which has burned more than 3,000 acres since Thursday morning.

The fire started in Santa Clara County but quickly burned into Santa Cruz County, where the majority of the blaze is located, according to Cal Fire. At about 1:30 a.m. today the fire returned to Santa Clara County, where it had burned about 100 acres by around 3 p.m.

The fire has burned 17 homes and 11 businesses and is threatening around 550 other homes. Cal Fire officials do not believe the flames will be contained until Friday.


Source: CBS News Sunday 12:01AM

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