By MES Dispatch staff
The Briefing
- Authorities in the Santa Cruz Mountains, California, are investigating a fire at a firehouse that destroyed a Santa Cruz County Fire Department water tender, and officials suspect arson.
- The blaze was reported just before 4:45 a.m. Wednesday at Fire Station 34 McDermott on Empire Grade Road in Bonny Doon.
- Fire crews extinguished the water tender fire before it spread to the fire station structure.
- No injuries were reported in the incident, but the water tender was deemed a total loss.
- Deputies, Cal Fire investigators and fire department personnel are continuing the arson investigation.
BONNY DOON, CA — Officials are investigating a suspected arson fire that destroyed a Santa Cruz County Fire Department water tender parked inside a firehouse early Wednesday, according to law enforcement and fire agency releases.
Santa Cruz Sheriff’s Office/Facebook
Deputies with the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office and personnel from Cal Fire and the Santa Cruz County Fire Department responded about 4:43 a.m. to Fire Station 34 McDermott on Empire Grade Road after reports of a fully involved water tender fire, authorities said.
Firefighters extinguished the blaze before it spread to the fire station, and no injuries were reported, officials said. The water tender was considered a total loss.
Based on preliminary findings, investigators believe the fire was intentionally set, and the sheriff’s office is working with fire investigators to gather evidence, according to agency statements.
The fire station sustained some smoke and water damage, and departmental resources were relocated to maintain emergency service coverage in the community while mitigation work continues, authorities said.
Detectives have asked anyone with information about the incident to contact local law enforcement as the arson investigation remains ongoing.