CDF crews sent to aid effort in Loma Fire

Firefighters from the Tuolumne-Calaveras Unit of Cal Fire are in Santa Cruz this week helping to battle a wildfire threatening homes.

Sunday afternoon, a strike team of engines, four hand crews, one helicopter and two dozers from the Tuolumne-Calaveras Unit responded to the Loma Fire, said Lisa Williams, Cal Fire spokeswoman.
  

Crews were making progress on fighting the blaze Monday, which is burning in the Santa Cruz Mountains and  threatened 85 homes.

Residents of the rugged area north of Santa Cruz were allowed to return to their homes during the early afternoon, state fire spokesman Justin Smith said.

The fire consumed 485 acres, less than the previously estimated 600 acres. Fire officials said the lower estimate came after crews were able to compile a more accurate assessment from the air.

A trailer and two outbuildings have been destroyed in the blaze.

Crews laying hoses and clearing vegetation were helped when winds eased after gusting to about 40 mph on Sunday.    

“That has absolutely been a huge benefit,” Smith said.

The fire was 55 percent contained Monday night, and officials expect to have it fully contained today.

The fire began early Sunday in Santa Clara County then spread to Santa Cruz County. The cause remained under investigation.

About 1,700 firefighters were fighting the blaze. Four suffered minor injuries.

The fire was burning in the same place a wildfire scorched 4,200 acres in May 2008.