By: Jane Wilde

Public-Relations Manager

In the Santa Cruz Mountains, police are investigating a series of fires that are rumored to be the work of an arsonist. The four fires happened over the past two weeks around the Lexington Basin, a high fire danger location. All of the fires took place south of the Lexington Reservoir near Aldercroft Heights between Jul. 15 and Jul. 27.  The fire department reported the first fire at 4:30 AM on Jul. 15 and three more on Jul. 20, and Jul. 27. According to the Santa Clara County Fire Department, the affected areas range from zero point one acres to over one acre. Officers have put up signs with the words “Arson-Caused Fire” around Aldercroft Heights. The department encourages anyone with information about the fire to immediately call the arson tip line at 888-341-4401.

Although these fires have not caused any injuries, officials have made it clear that this case is a top priority for them. Bill Murphy, a deputy chief with the Santa Clara County Fire Department, told Fox News, “It is very concerning and again, this is because of where they are occurring in the Lexington Basin area, [where] we have significant fire history in that area including the Lexington Basin fire back in the 80s.” In addition to understanding the urgency of this case, officials also recognize the personal impact it has on members of the community. Aldercroft Heights resident Pamela Wilde said,“It’s been very concerning throughout the neighborhood knowing there is a criminal on the loose. People are fearing losing their homes.” 

On Jul. 26, deputies issued an evacuation warning to residents living near the largest fire, but lifted it after about two hours. Although there hasn’t been an official statement released implying the fires were arson, officials have stated their suspicion. Matt Mokhtarian, a public information officer for Santa Clara Fire, told residents, “The fires themselves, due to their close proximity to each other and closeness in timeline, that in general are suspicious to fire investigators and law enforcement investigators.” 

Over 100 members of the affected community gathered for an informational meeting regarding the fires and what they could do as a community to find the convict. Bill Murphy, the battalion chief for Santa Clara County Fire, held the meeting to inform residents that the four fires in are the only ones that have been reported to officials, although additional fires may have occurred unreported. Additionally, Mokhtarian said people in the area are likely to see greater deputy patrols from the sheriff’s office since the accidents have occurred. CalFire and County fire officials are currently on the scene investigating the fires further.