Last updated: 3:32 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021
Cal Fire and Santa Cruz County authorities on Thursday lifted evacuation orders and reduced them to evacuation advisories in areas near Ben Lomond, Boulder Creek, Swanton and other parts of the CZU Lightning Complex Fire zone.
“We don’t see much evidence of mud flow or debris flow in the (CZU Lightning Complex Fire) burn scar itself, but we don’t have access to everyone’s private property,” said Santa Cruz County spokesman Jason Hoppin said during a news conference Thursday.
Residents have been asked to notify county authorities of slides on private property at [email protected]
County geologists evaluated reports of potential mudslides Wednesday:
- On Alba Road north of Stoddard Road, near Ben Lomond
- On Jamison Creek Road near Highway 236 in Boulder Creek, Ian Larkin, chief of Cal Fire’s San Mateo-Santa Cruz Unit said in a news conference Wednesday morning.
Click on the arrows for answers.
Map: What areas have evacuation orders?

Where are the road closures and traffic advisories?
- Santa Cruz County Road Closures
- Cruz511.org
- Cad.chp.ca.gov, on the “Communications Centers” drop-down menu, select “Monterey.”
What do I pack in my “go bag” for evacuation?
- Face masks
- Supplies: medications, pet medications, cellphone chargers, flashlight, first aid kit, eyeglasses, battery-operated or crank radio, tools, clothing, sanitary supplies, contact information, a print map for alternate routes, laptops, other devices.
- Documents: passports, IDs, insurance policies, pictures, irreplaceable memorabilia
- Three-day supply of non-perishable food, three gallons of water per person, pet food and water for pet
- Cash, credit and ATM cards
- Medical equipment
- More items
Evacuees: How to find shelter, hotel rooms, food
County officials said all three Temporary Evacuation Points that had been set up in Davenport, Felton and Scotts Valley are closed.
For evacuation-related information or assistance through Thursday, call the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Operations line, 831-454-2181.
- Hotels have been available at discounted rates from $79 to $160. See a list of hotels.
- Visit Santa Cruz County also lists hotels with availability.
I need help to leave my house. Who do I call?
Call the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Operations hotline, 831-454-2181.
Lift Line provides transportation to safe locations. Call 831-688-9663.
Evacuees: Help for animals
County large animal evacuation assistance: 831-454-2238.
Equine evacuation team: 831-708-8998. More information.
Small animal evacuation assistance: 831-454-7200, ext. 1
Many of the hotels on this list allow small pets.
Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day to shelter evacuated animals. Pets can stay at the shelter at 1001 Rodriguez St. in Santa Cruz at no cost, according to the animal shelter website.
Official evacuation info, unofficial resource pages
Cal Fire email updates: tinyurl.com/czulightning
Sign up for Nixle alerts: Sign up for text, email or voice mail alerts from local law enforcement agencies. These alerts include evacuation orders and warnings, and the end of evacuation orders.
CalFire public information line: 831-335-6717
Santa Cruz Regional 911 text and email updates: Sign up for CodeRed.
Social media: Authorities announce evacuation orders, breaking news and other information at these Twitter accounts:
- Cal Fire San Mateo-Santa Cruz Unit (Cal Fire CZU)
- County of Santa Cruz
- California Highway Patrol Santa Cruz Area
Other Santa Cruz County wildfire resource pages
Evacuees: How to get your mail
The Brookdale Post Office temporarily closed Jan. 25 due to mandatory evacuation orders. Last year’s CZU Lighting Complex Fire burn scars have caused concern and necessary precaution in the area.
Customers normally served by the Brookdale Post Office can go to the Ben Lomond Post Office 250 Main St., Ben Lomond, CA 95005. Hours for pick-up only 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday. Bring a photo ID for mail pick up.
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