Updates as of noon, Monday, Aug. 31, 2020:
Fire Update
The fire that began two weeks ago with a series of lightning strikes was 39 percent contained as of this morning, according to CalFire officials.
The fire has consumed 84,640 acres and destroyed 1,361 structures across San Mateo and Santa Cruz counties.
Evacuation orders in San Mateo County remain in effect for the communities of Loma Mar and Dearborn Park, Pescadero Creek County Park and nearby areas, Butano State Park and nearby areas and additional neighborhoods.
For a current list of evacuation zones and road closures, please visit the County’s Wildfire Recovery page at https://www.smcgov.org/smc-wildfire-recovery
Public safety officials continue to urge the public to avoid the fire zone unless travel is absolutely necessary to make way for emergency vehicles and evacuees. Portions of Highway 1 south of Gazos Creek, Cloverdale Road, Pescadero Creek Road and nearby roads remain closed, and additional closures may occur at any time due to emergency needs.
Emergency Regulation Allows Temporary Access to Private Property
An emergency regulation signed Friday temporarily allows County staff and contractors to enter private property so they can conduct safety assessments of areas impacted by the CZU Lightning Complex fires.
The emergency regulation only extends to the unincorporated areas of San Mateo County and was signed by County Manager Mike Callagy in his role as the director of emergency services. Staff and contractors given the temporary access includes but is not limited to personnel from the Department of Public Works, Environmental Health Services, the Department of Planning and Building, Parks, CAL FIRE and the Sheriff’s Office. Learn more.
Care and Shelter
Beginning Wednesday, Sept. 2, a Local Assistance Center will be set up in Pescadero to help residents apply for aid and other resources due to the fire.
The center will open Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Pescadero Elementary School, 620 North Street, Pescadero, 94060.
The center is expected to be open weekdays; a full schedule will be announced shortly.
Resources available for those impacted by the fire include information about financial assistance, short-term housing, replacement of vital records, debris removal and more.
The temporary evacuation center established at Half Moon Bay High School will close at the end of business tomorrow -- Tuesday, Sept. 1.
As of this morning, a total of 329 fire evacuees were being cared for in San Mateo County hotels.
Important note: Puente de las Costa Sur, a local not-for-profit organization, has opened a distribution center for those impacted by the fire at their offices in Pescadero and La Honda. Water, food and basic needs are available.
Location and hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Friday September 4, 620 North St., Pescadero.
1:30 pm to 4:30 pm through Friday, September 4, La Honda, 8865 La Honda Road, Suite 4.
Donations
Please consider donating financially to assist those impacted by the fires to the American Red Cross, Puente de la Costa Sur or a charity of your choice.
Puente is also accepting donations of bottled water and groceries at its offices in Pescadero and La Honda. No prepared meals, please.
The County and Puente are no longer accepting donations of baby or school supplies or other material goods. We thank you for your generosity.
San Mateo County Parks Closed
All San Mateo County Parks are remain closed until further notice as park rangers are supporting firefighting efforts.
Please do not attempt to enter Pescadero, Sam McDonald or Memorial Park from any entrance point as these parks remain in the fire zone. We thank you for your support and patience.
Coyote Point Marina tenants will have access to boats. Please support everyone's efforts by respecting closures at park entrances and trail heads. Read the news release.
Additional Information and Resources:
To find the most current evacuation map, go to https://arcg.is/PSSv10
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