Loma Fire evacuees gather for meeting seeking answers over their homes
WATSONVILLE, Calif. (KGO) -- Residents who had to evacuate their homes because of the massive Loma Fire that has scorched 4,147 acres and destroyed eight homes gathered at a community meeting looking for answers.
Dozens of people gathered for the meeting and at one point they applauded the firefighters and said they were very grateful, but they are also frustrated. They want more information and they want it faster, especially when it comes to their homes. "So can someone here tonight give us an answer, so we can see if our home is still there or not," one man said.
PHOTOS: Crews battle brush fire in Santa Cruz Mountains
For some, the biggest question is one that cannot yet be answered. "I know part of it's gone, the part that had all my children's things, my paintings," evacuee Priscilla Hubert said.
Hubert's home is on Loma Chiquita Road in Santa Clara County she lost her art studio and is waiting to hear about the rest of her house. "It's terrible actually it's really terrible," she said.
EXCLUSIVE: Investigators look into whether drug operation sparked Loma Fire
CAL FIRE says the damage assessment team has only just begun the process of identifying homes in the burn area. "There could be a chimney, bathtub, sink, something of that nature that's going to survive the fire," CAL FIRE spokesperson Jay Smith said.
The Loma Fire has grown to more than 4,000 acres, but containment is up too at 34 percent.
RELATED: Disaster preparedness resources
Jim Bryant's home survived. He says he had faith in the firefighters. "Especially with the six tankers and two helicopters that were up and how aggressively they were fighting the fire we are very thankful Cal Fire up here is our life blood," Bryant said.
Neighbors are doing everything they can to help each other, but they are looking to authorities for more help. Many brought up the need for better roads. There are also worried about landslides during rainy season and they want to know when power will restored. Questions that can't be answered until the fire is better contained.
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
Casa Loma and McKean Road
Click here for full coverage on the Loma Fire.
