Lockheed Fire update: Fire at 6,800 acres, 30 percent contained; Schwarzenegger expected in Watsonville - San Jose Mercury News
BONNY DOON -- As of this morning the Lockheed Fire has burned 6,800 acres and is 30 percent contained. The winds have died down this morning and crews continue to make progress, Cal Fire reported Saturday morning.
Weather remains a concern. Swirling winds, dropping humidity and higher temperatures expected over the weekend could a witches brew when mixed with the roaring flames that had consumed 6,800 acres in two days.
"It's definitely not going to help the fire effort," said Larry Smith, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Monterey. "Drier and windier is not going to be a good thing for the fire crews."
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is expected to arrive at the fire command post a the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds in Watsonville at 10 a.m. today to get an assessment of the damage and learn about firefighting efforts around the state.
Evacuations affecting as many as 2,400 people remain in affect for Bonny Doon and Swanton. Cal Fire is reporting that only two outbuildings have been damaged by the blaze, which is the largest in the county in at least 20 years.
There are more than 1,500 firefighters assigned to the fire. Cal Fire estimates the blaze has cost $2.6 million to fight so far.
BONNY DOON -- As of this morning the Lockheed Fire has burned 6,800 acres and is 30 percent contained. The winds have died down this morning and crews continue to make progress, Cal Fire reported Saturday morning.
Weather remains a concern. Swirling winds, dropping humidity and higher temperatures expected over the weekend could a witches brew when mixed with the roaring flames that had consumed 6,800 acres in two days.
"It's definitely not going to help the fire effort," said Larry Smith, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Monterey. "Drier and windier is not going to be a good thing for the fire crews."
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is expected to arrive at the fire command post a the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds in Watsonville at 10 a.m. today to get an assessment of the damage and learn about firefighting efforts around the state.
Evacuations affecting as many as 2,400 people remain in affect for Bonny Doon and Swanton. Cal Fire is reporting that only two outbuildings have been damaged by the blaze, which is the largest in the county in at least 20 years.
There are more than 1,500 firefighters assigned to the fire. Cal Fire estimates the blaze has cost $2.6 million to fight so far.
