WATSONVILLE (CBS SF) — A wildland fire burning near Watsonville that quickly grew to 150 acres Friday evening, forcing evacuations, was sparked by a prescribed burn earlier in the day, according to Cal Fire.
UPDATE: The #EstradaFire is the result of the Estrada Ranch Prescribed Fire. The #EstradaFire is estimated to be 150 acres. #CaWx @sccounty
— CAL FIRE CZU (@CALFIRECZU) October 16, 2021
Thirty engines are responding to the blaze which is flashing through hilly terrain covered in oak and grass.
Cal Fire announced shortly before 9 p.m. that crews had surrounded the burn area with retardant and would continue to strengthen control lines overnight.
At least seven Cal Fire tankers responded to the fire but were grounded after nightfall.
EVACUATIONS: The @SantaCruzSO1 is evacuating zones PAJ-E001, PAJ-E002, PAJ-E003, PAJ-E007, all in Pajaro area. CRZ-E046 (Summit area) under an Evacuation Warning ⚠️ be prepared to leave. This fire is 40 acres. We have multiple crews and equipment on scene, more coming. @zonehaven
— CAL FIRE CZU (@CALFIRECZU) October 16, 2021
Shortly before 6 p.m., Cal Fire CZU said the Santa Cruz County Sheriff had ordered evacuations for the Pajaro area in zones PAJ-E001, PAJ-E002, PAJ-E003 and PAJ-E007. Zone CRZ-E046 in the Summit area is under an evacuation warning.
The Red Cross has established an evacuation center at the Corralitos Community Center.
Source: sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com.