By PK Hattis
Santa Cruz Sentinel
BONNY DOON, Calif. — Investigators suspect a recent fire within a firehouse in the Santa Cruz Mountains that destroyed a water tender was an arson incident.
According to a joint release from the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office, CAL FIRE and the Santa Cruz County Fire Department, deputies responded at approximately 4:43 a.m. Wednesday to Santa Cruz County Fire Station 34 McDermott in Bonny Doon to reports of a fully involved water tender. The fire was quickly extinguished, and a search of the structure was conducted.
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Based on preliminary findings, the incident is believed to be arson, officials noted in the release.
No injuries were reported and while the water tender was a total loss, the response was fast enough to save the station itself.
The building, at 7276 Empire Grade Road, sustained some water and smoke damage, but mitigation efforts are already underway and resources have been relocated to ensure there is no disruption of emergency services in the community, according to the release.
The county Sheriff’s Office is working in coordination with the Santa Cruz County Fire Department and CAL FIRE investigators on the incident. Detectives and crime scene investigators continue to process evidence and anyone with information about the incident has been asked to contact Detective Malone at 831-454-7636.
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