Investigators say a pre-dawn fire at a Bonny Doon fire station was likely arson, destroying a water tender but sparing the building

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.

| SURVEY: What Firefighters Want in 2026: Training

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.

A recall effort targets three Loveland Rural Fire Protection Board directors as debate intensifies over the fate of Fire Chief Tim Sendelbach

Howard County and neighboring firefighters trained on removing burning electric vehicles, monitoring hazards and adapting tactics for high-risk EV fire incidents

March 19, 2026 09:27 AM

 · 

Stay current on NIOSH program layoffs, the status of the National Fire Academy and changes to FEMA

March 20, 2026 03:38 PM

 · 

Time may be limited, but we can find ways to maintain the shared kitchen table time that builds a sense of family

March 19, 2026 11:42 AM

 · 

© 2026 the Santa Cruz Sentinel (Scotts Valley, Calif.).
Visit www.santacruzsentinel.com.
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

New mission mode provides simpler and more intuitive sampling of hazardous vapors

February 19, 2026 03:04 PM