UPDATE: A significant fire broke out at a woodworking shop on Ingalls Street in Santa Cruz just before 10:45 p.m. Wednesday night, prompting a rapid response from local firefighters and multiple agencies. The Santa Cruz Fire Department confirmed that the blaze, which erupted in a 4,500-square-foot structure located in the 400 block of Ingalls Street, quickly escalated to a second-alarm fire due to its intensity and risk to nearby properties.
Fire crews arrived to find the woodworking shop fully engulfed in flames, with fire spreading to surrounding trees and threatening adjacent residences. The fire was so severe that the incident required assistance from several neighboring fire districts, including the Scotts Valley Fire District, Central Fire District, and Felton Fire Department, along with support from the Santa Cruz Police Department and emergency services like American Medical Response.
Battalion Chief Johnny Fox reported that firefighters managed to contain the fire primarily to the woodworking area and the second-story loft above it. Thanks to their efforts, the damage was largely confined to the original structure, sparing nearby buildings and homes along a shared fence. The fire crews successfully prevented a similarly sized neighboring building from catching fire, showcasing their effective teamwork and strategy.
The cause of this destructive fire is currently under investigation, as authorities work to piece together the events leading up to the blaze. Eyewitnesses reported seeing thick smoke billowing from the property, heightening concerns among residents in the area.
As the situation develops, the Santa Cruz Fire Department continues to monitor the site while collaborating with other agencies to ensure safety and assess any potential hazards that may arise. Local residents are advised to remain alert and report any suspicious activities in the vicinity.
This incident has drawn significant attention and concern from the community, as the effects of the fire could have been much more devastating without the swift action of first responders. Further updates will follow as firefighters conclude their operations and the investigation into the fire’s origins begins. Stay tuned for more urgent developments regarding this fire in Santa Cruz.
