Sheriff Probes Suspected Arson After Water Tender Burns at Bonny Doon Fire Station

Detectives now treat the case as arson after a predawn blaze destroyed the station’s water tender.

Overview

A fully involved water tender fire was reported around 4:43 a.m. at McDermott Fire Station 34 on 7276 Empire Grade Road in Bonny Doon.
The vehicle was declared a total loss, and the station sustained smoke and water damage, but firefighters kept the blaze from spreading to the building.
Crews from Cal Fire’s San Mateo–Santa Cruz unit, the Santa Cruz County Fire Department, and the Felton Fire Protection District responded and quickly extinguished the fire.
No injuries were reported, and officials said resources have been relocated to maintain emergency coverage while mitigation work continues.
The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office is investigating suspected arson and asked anyone with information to contact Detective Malone at 831-454-7636.