Loma wildfire in Santa Cruz mountains destroys more homes

AP logo
Sunday, October 2, 2016
Firefighters ignite a backfire to stop the Loma fire from spreading near Morgan Hill, Calif., Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016.
Firefighters ignite a backfire to stop the Loma fire from spreading near Morgan Hill, Calif., Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016.
kgo-AP Photo/Noah Berger

MORGAN HILL, Calif. -- The Loma Fire burning in the Santa Cruz Mountains has destroyed a dozen homes and 16 other structures.

Cal Fire said Saturday afternoon that 12 homes and 16 structures were destroyed by the fire. That compares to eight homes and nine other structures on Friday reported destroyed.

PHOTOS: Crews battle brush fire in Santa Cruz Mountains

1 of 43
Vintage cars line a property after the Loma fire burned through Loma Chiquita Road near Morgan Hill, Calif., on Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016.
AP Photo/Noah Berger

The blaze has charred about 6 square miles and is 56 percent contained. It is still threatening 325 structures.

Hundreds of residents were evacuated from both Santa Cruz and Santa Clara County neighborhoods after the blaze started Monday.

RELATED: EXCLUSIVE: Volunteer group saves horses from Loma Fire

Mandatory evacuations were lifted for Santa Cruz County but they remain in effect for Santa Clara County, where most of the threatened structures are located.

Fire officials expect full containment by early next week.

EXCLUSIVE: Investigators look into whether drug operation sparked Loma Fire

Evacuations:

Evacuations have been lifted for Santa Cruz County residents.

Road closures:

Loma Prieta Road 1 mile east of Highland Way

Summit Road at Ormsby Cutoff

Croy Road 3 miles west of Uvas Road to be lifted for residents only

Casa Loma and McKean Road

The Casa Loma Volunteer Fire Association is accepting donations to for Loma Fire evacuees. Click here to donate.

Or, send donations here:

CLVFA

PO Box 601

Redwood Estates, CA 95044

Click here for full coverage on the Loma Fire.