The CZU Lightning Complex Fires burned 22,755 acres in San Mateo County

REDWOOD CITY — The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors today presented a resolution honoring CalFire, first responders and volunteers for their exemplary heroism and efforts to protect the South Coast community during the CZU Lightning Complex fires.

“The work of CalFire to protect the population and environment during this ongoing wildfire disaster cannot be overstated,” said District 3 Supervisor Don Horsley. “This resolution is intended as a thank you on behalf of the people of San Mateo County. It would not be possible to note every person who made a significant contribution to this effort, but we want to broadly include, in our hearts and minds, all who made it possible.”

 

The Board recognized the collaborative effort by CalFire, the County Manager’s Office, Sheriff’s Office, La Honda Volunteer Fire Brigade, Loma Mar Volunteer Fire Department, County Parks, Puente de la Costa Sur and additional public and community-based organizations to respond to the fires that began with lightning strikes on August 16.

The Board of Supervisors also recognized the countless number of volunteers, nonprofit organizations and civilians who assisted with the firefighting and recovery efforts of what is now known as the largest fire in San Mateo County history, costing upwards of $60 million in resources.

The CZU Lightning Complex series of fires was reported at 91 percent contained as of this morning and has consumed a total of 86,509 acres over San Mateo County and Santa Cruz counties.

In San Mateo County, the CZU Complex consumed 22,755 acres, or roughly 35 square miles. The fires destroyed 14 homes, 28 commercial buildings and 17 structures in San Mateo County.

The blaze consumed close to 2,700 acres in Pescadero Creek County Park, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. Pescadero Creek, Sam McDonald and Memorial parks remain closed while County Park staff and CalFire develop plans to repair and restore the area, an effort that will take many months to complete.

The Board of Supervisors also ratified and extended the emergency declaration at the Sept. 15, 2020, meeting. The Board proclaimed a local emergency due to the fires on Aug. 19. Read the news release.

Additional Information and Resources:

Go to https://www.smcgov.org/smc-wildfire-recovery for information and resources about filing damage claims and how to seek assistance.

Sign up for CalFire email updates at https://tinyurl.com/czulightning

Stay up-to date on air conditions at https://www.airnow.gov/

CALFire CZU San Mateo–Santa Cruz Unit Twitter Page: https://twitter.com/CALFIRECZU

Sign up for SMC Alerts at www.smcalert.info

Connect with the County of San Mateo on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CountyofSanMateo

Follow the County of San Mateo on Twitter at https://twitter.com/sanmateoco