Update: Brush Fire Ignites Near Fishhook Thursday Afternoon

Update 4:30 p.m.: Fire crews have contained a 3-acre vegetation fire visible off of state Highway 17 near Santa Cruz this afternoon, a Cal Fire official said.

The blaze was reported around 3 p.m. near the area called the Fishhook, where state highways 1 and 17 merge, Cal Fire Division Chief Rich
Sampson said.

The fire was contained around 4 p.m., Sampson said.

Original story, 4 p.m.: A wildland fire sparked near highways 1 and 17 around 3 p.m. Thursday, prompting a partial closure of Highway 1, authorities reported.

The blaze was burning between the Fishhook and Jewell Street, according to emergency radio traffic. 

People at the Elks Lodge, at 115 Jewell St. off of Ocean Street, called 9-1-1 to report smoke and flames behind the building. They said they were evacuating, according to emergency radio traffic.

At least one lane of southbound Highway 1 was closed as firefighters battled the blaze.

KSBW reported the fire was controlled around 4 p.m. Here's a photo from the scene.

Most Santa Cruz Fire Department engines and trucks responded to the fire, along with help from the Scotts Valley Fire Department and CalFire. Staff from Central and Branciforte fire districts covered other calls in the city of Santa Cruz for the afternoon.

The area where the fire broke out is a popular spot for homeless encampments. 


Did you see the fire or smoke? Email photos to jennifer.squires@patch.com
Bay City News contributed to this report.