Homeowners told to create defensible space now

It’s a grim reality to see flames burning thousands of acres in the picturesque hills north of Big Sur. But at the same time, across Monterey Bay, Peninsula Cal Fire officials said fire danger in the Santa Cruz mountains is also very high.

“We do have very steep terrain throughout Santa Cruz county with areas that are difficult to get into except by air craft and fire crews, so it is a concern,” said Cal Fire public information officer, Collen Baxter.

That’s why Cal Fire was out inspecting homes Thursday making sure residents keep at least 30 to 100 feet of defensible space. Officials are looking for things like, trees touching roof tops, and dry brush that needs to be cut.

“Never mow on a dry windy day. Keep your mowing to before ten o clock, and use spark arresters where necessary,” said Baxter.

Thursday, Cal Fire crews drove through the Bonny Doon area, letting people know if their home passed inspection.

“We’ve had fires near here and some years ago there was one that got within a half mile of here and we had to evacuate,” said Bonny Doon resident Stanley Moore.

Moore’s home passed inspection but he said for those living in the mountains, there’s no such thing as a fire proof home.

“For many years Bonny Doon was called the asbestos coast, because it wouldn’t burn. We often get a lot of fog, but it will burn sometimes. Make sure you have insurance I guess.”

Due to 2016’s dry conditions Cal Fire banned backyard burns in Santa Cruz County and fire officials don’t expect to lift the ban until after summer.

“This being July, those fuels, the moisture level is very low and that makes the possibility for vegetation fires very possible,” said Baxter.

ORIGINAL POST: While the Soberanes Fire rages in Monterey County, fire officials are working to prevent a similar disaster in the Santa Cruz mountains.

On Thursday, Cal Fire inspectors reminded residents about the importance of trimming trees and clearing brush to create a defensible space around their homes.

Tonight at 5 and 6, KION’s Brandon Castillo shows us what homeowners should be doing now, before it’s too late to act.