CZU August Lightning Complex Fire In Saratoga

Press release from the City of Saratoga:

August 18, 2020

Santa Clara County Fire is closely monitoring the CZU August Lightning Complex Fire that is burning in Santa Cruz and San Mateo Counties. Currently, the fire is not impacting Santa Clara County and no evacuation orders have been issued for Saratoga. However, residents should remain aware of the fire and be ready to evacuate if needed.

Immediate Next Steps for Residents

• Register for emergency alerts, including evacuation orders, at alertscc.com
• Monitor the CZU August Lightning Complex Fire
• Prepare for the possibility of an evacuation order, visit www.sccfd.org/rsg for resources and information

About Evacuations

Evacuations are dynamic. Areas to be evacuated, escape routes, and evacuation centers will be determined based on the location, behavior, weather, and terrain of a fire. Those impacted by an evacuation will be notified as early as possible, but it is important to proactively monitor the situation. Sign up for emergency alerts, including evacuation orders, at alertscc.com, monitor the news on local radio and television stations, and keep an eye on social media.

If you are asked to evacuate, immediately follow instructions provided to safely leave the area. Information about where to evacuate to will be communicated in the evacuation order or by law enforcement officers managing the evacuation process. The City has identified several locations in its emergency plans as potential evacuation centers. During an actual evacuation, you will be directed to the best location based on the emergency conditions.

Residents should also take steps to prepare for an evacuation in advance of an emergency. Visit the Santa Clara County Fire website for a detailed list of tips for preparing to evacuation and what to do during an evacuation. A few key recommendations are below.

Before an Evacuation:

• Identify a meeting location for your family outside of the fire area.
• Consider the route you will use to leave your home, if needed.
• Come up with a plan for pets or large animals, like horses.
• Pack an evacuation kit with important papers and documents, phone numbers, prescriptions and everyday medications, eyeglasses, irreplaceable memorabilia, personal computers, credit/debit cards, and cash.

During an Evacuation:

• Closely monitor conditions. Sign up for AlertSCC emergency notifications, monitor social media, and listen to your radio/television for evacuation announcements.
• Leave as soon as an evacuation order is recommended by officials.
• Local law enforcement will be present to manage the evacuation.
• You may be instructed to take certain routes, head in a specific direction, gather at a temporary assembly area to wait to be transferred to another safe location, or directed to an evacuation center in the order or by law enforcement. Follow all prompts.
• Locate your family and pets, and take them with you when evacuating.
• Wear long pants, long sleeves, heavy shoes, a dry bandana or other face cover, and goggles or glasses to protect against heat and flying embers.
• Grab your evacuation kit before leaving home.
• Meet family and loved ones at agreed upon meeting location.

This press release was produced by the City of Saratoga. The views expressed here are the author’s own.