To: UC Santa Cruz community

From: Chief of Police Nader Oweis

The UC Santa Cruz Police Department is closely monitoring a wildland fire near Highway 9, north of Paradise Park. Although there is heavy smoke on campus as a result of the fire, which started Saturday evening and is burning in heavy timber between the highway and the San Lorenzo River, there is no threat to UC Santa Cruz at this time.

There are several fire crews on the ground, as well as helicopters and planes being used to drop fire retardant on the roughly 5-acre blaze. Some of the aircraft are flying over campus to access the fire. Some crews may also use campus fire roads to access the fire.

The Paradise Park neighborhood, along with adjoining neighborhoods, are being evacuated as a precaution.

Those with respiratory issues are advised to take precautions, as heavy smoke is blanketing the area.

We will continue to work with the fire department and local law enforcement agencies until the fire is contained. 

Thank you for your patience.