Illegal Fireworks Started Fire that Burned 3 Cars, Caused Power Outage in Santa Cruz

Illegal fireworks started a fire that damaged three cars and caused a power outage in Santa Cruz on Friday night, a battalion chief said.

A report of a tree on fire on First Avenue and Marine Parade came in around 9:45 p.m., Battalion Chief Jason Hajduk said.

Crews arrived at the scene to find a large tree and cars on fire, Hajduk said. Investigators determined the fireworks ignited the blaze on a tree then spread to a power pole and the cars.

[Previous: Triple Fines In Place For Fireworks Violators in Santa Cruz.]

Burned power lines were down on the ground leading fire crews to set up a perimeter, he said.

Residents on First Avenue between Marine Parade and Atlantic Avenue were evacuated with the assistance of Santa Cruz police, he said.

PG&E crews arrived at the scene to secure and de-energize the lines allowing firefighters to extinguish the blaze, according to Hajduk.

PG&E crews were able to restore service to customers in the 300 block of First Avenue affected by a power outage due to the fire, he said.

Hajduck estimated the fire caused an estimated $120,000 in damage.

Other fire-related coverage: City & UC Santa Cruz Now Share Fire Services.

--Bay City News