Firefighters say the marine layer helped overnight, but they expect breezy conditions today that could hamper their efforts. CAL FIRE says the blaze has grown at a rate of 700 to 1,000 acres an hour over the past couple of days.
[Ads /]
INTERACTIVE MAP: Track wildfires across San Francisco, other parts of CA
Firefighters had to rescue three separate parties last night who were trying to protect property in evacuation zone. They are warning others to not to do this because it's a drain on precious resources. Officials said they will patrol neighborhoods after they have been evacuated.
The Immel family were told to leave their home in Boulder Creek on Wednesday morning. On Thursday, they returned to rubble.
"We had one of the CAL FIRE people come up in trucks via broadcasting from their trucks get out, time is now, get out," said Andy Immel, who lived in his home for 42 years.
RELATED: Vacaville family who fled wildfire returns to find 'forever home' destroyed
CAL FIRE is warning that residents could be out of their homes for weeks as they fight a historic fire with resources stretched thin. Almost a week in, the fire is still 0% contained.
"That just goes to show that we don't have the resources on it that we would normally. If this was a normal situation where this was the only fire in the state, we would have more resources," said Cecil Juliette, CAL FIRE public information officer.
So far, 64,000 people have been evacuated in both Santa Cruz and San Mateo Counties. The fire is threatening 24,000 plus structures.
50 structures have already been destroyed, but officials expect that number to rise significantly.
More than 1,000 firefighters are battling the blaze.
VIDEO: Bay Area shrouded in smoke as Northern California wildfires rage
Bay Area shrouded in smoke as Northern California wildfires rage
Evacuation orders were expanded last night in Santa Cruz County. Scotts Valley residents and the UC Santa Cruz campus were forced to leave. UCSC warned, "Any person who enters the residential campus, a closed off area or remains in the area after being ordered to evacuate may be found guilty of a criminal offense." An evacuation center at the boardwalk is being made available for displaced staff and students.
RELATED: CZU, LNU, SCU Lightning Complex Fire maps: See active fires in the Bay Area today
However, the need for shelter expands far beyond the college campus. Jason Hoppin with Santa Cruz County said it's putting out requests for donations of water and family-sized tents.
The county is also asking visitors to stay away. Hoppin explained any out-of-towners staying overnight impact available shelter for evacuees.
[Ads /]
RELATED STORIES & VIDEOS:
- Here are all the fires burning in the Bay Area right now
- Track air quality levels in the Bay Area
- Bay Area air quality worst in the world as wildfires rage in all but one county
- How to prepare for a wildfire evacuation
- Most destructive California wildfires in history
- Camp Fire is deadliest wildfire in California history
- How are wildfires started? A look at the causes of some of the worst in California history
- Safety tips to remember when returning home after wildfire
- How to drive safely during a power outage
- What to do right now to prep for a planned power outage
- Here's how to store electricity before a power outage
- Tips for getting through a long-term power outage
- VIDEO: How to prepare your pets in case of disaster
- The difference between containing and controlling a wildfire
- How wildfire smoke can impact your health
- What's in wildfire smoke? How it can impact your health
[Ads /]