SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—A lightning storm that began at about 1am Sunday sparked 22 fires across Santa Cruz County, five of which have burned several hundred acres.
No communities are currently threatened, and no warnings or evacuations have been given, said Cal Fire spokeswoman Cecile Juliette.
The blazes are straining firefighting resources, Juliette said.
The most notable fire in the county is the Waddell Fire, which has scorched 50 acres on the coastal bluff north of Waddell Creek. There was no containment as of 4pm Monday.
The Warnella Fire is just north of Davenport near Highway 1 and has burned 40 acres. It was 5% contained Monday afternoon.
In the Butano Drainage, three fires are burning between private land and state parks.
Smoke is expected to be visible throughout the region, Juliette said.
