Evacuees return home after Bear Fire in Santa Cruz Mountains

Katie Marzullo Image
ByKatie Marzullo KGO logo
Friday, October 20, 2017
Evacuees return home after Bear Fire in Santa Cruz Mountains
The Bear Fire in the Santa Cruz Mountains has burned 270 acres and is 10 percent contained. Four structures were destroyed and about 150 are in danger.

SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAINS, Calif. (KGO) -- After being chased from their homes by the Bear Fire, families were allowed to return to some areas of the Santa Cruz Mountains on Thursday.

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There is still smoke in the air but homes in the Las Cumbres neighborhood were not damaged by flames.

Cal Fire reports the Bear Fire is 35 percent contained.

A spokesperson said crews have completed indirect fire lines and are now waiting for the fire burning in inaccessible areas to reach those fire lines. Cpt. Jordan Motta said the fire was burning slowly.

Damp, cool weather is also helping.

VIDEO: How to prepare for a wildfire evacuation

If there's time, here is a list of essentials to take with you during a wildfire evacuation. Above all else, follow instructions given and get out of harm's way.

As one man unpacked is SUV on the driveway of his unscathed mountain home, he described packing up his wife and kids -- plus a dog, turtles, a guinea pig and family photos and leaving in the middle of the night when the fire broke out. He said they could see the fire burning just beyond their house.

He's happy to be home and said he's learned important lessons about being prepared. He plans to be more diligent about creating a defensible space around his house and he will no longer stack firewood up against his home.

PHOTOS: Crews battle wildfire in Santa Cruz Mountains

A wildfire is seen burning in Santa Cruz Mountains on Tuesday, October 17, 2017.
KGO-TV