Santa Cruz County warns tent campers to move indoors immediately

SANTA CRUZ — Evacuees from the CZU August Lightning Complex fire staying outdoors in tents should seek indoor shelter immediately, the county warned Sunday afternoon.

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning through 5 p.m. Monday. The forecast is for winds that could reach 65 mph and thunderstorms with little to no precipitation. The National Weather Service noted that there is a high likelihood for new fire starts, with the erratic winds may result in dangerous and unpredictable fire behavior.

The County and its partners have established more than 2,200 shelter and safe parking spaces, with approximately 50% occupancy as of Sunday afternoon.

For a list of sheltering resources and locations, go to www.santacruzcounty.us/FireResources.aspx. Information is available in English or Spanish.

Shelters are offering meals, medical and behavioral health services and additional housing resources. Pets are welcome at local shelters as long as they are under control of the owner.