Big Basin's Story: The CZU Lightning Complex Fire

Our hearts go out to all Santa Cruz Mountain residents who suffered unimaginable losses in the CZU Lightning Complex Fire, including people such as Stan Hooper whose house and redwoods are seen in flames at 5:34 in the video. Special thanks to Cindy and Ron Sekkel for helping to make this video possible.
On August 16th 2020, wild fires broke out in San Mateo and Santa Cruz county due to a thunderstorm producing thousands of lightning bolts. On August 18th, things took a turn for the worse when winds changed and started to move the fires toward Big Basin Redwoods State Park. Sparks from the main fire started to blow into Big Basin causing multiple spot fires to appear in the park. Quickly, the fires conjoined and swept through Big Basin.
Within 24 hours 97% of Big Basin was burned, including 100 structures, 85 miles of trails, 20 staff homes, countless Redwood (and other) trees and the newly built Nature Museum, which was planned to open in 2021. Recovery of the park takes time and a lot of effort.
Mountain Parks Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded in 1973. It is one of the first California State Park Cooperating Associations, and has a partnership with California State Parks to support multi-faceted educational programs at Henry Cowell and Big Basin.
To support Big Basin and its recovery please donate to www.mountainparks.org/donate
Written & Directed By: Owl Eye Media
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