Fire at Santa Cruz’s “Torch Lite Inn” Hotel

A fire broke out in Santa Cruz at the “Torch Lite Inn” on Riverside Avenue, early Sunday morning. Officials say it was caused by an electrical malfunction, with the fire occurring in the attic.

The Santa Cruz Fire Department reports it happened at 2:09 a.m. Responders found “heavy smoke” coming from the roof and eaves of the two-story motel. They say multiple people were seen running from “smoke filled rooms,” as the Santa Cruz Police Department began evacuations.

Up to 30 rooms were cleared, with 69 occupants evacuated. Crews cut holes in the roof, allowing hot gas to escape from the attic. The fire was extinguished in 45 minutes.

The Red Cross was brought in to help with overnight housing, along with food and water. People were allowed to go back to their rooms, once the fire was put out, to recover their items, but occupancy was shut down.

The Santa Cruz Fire Department says there was a total of 120 thousand dollars in damages.