The Bear Fire

Scorched shell of a dump truck sits on the property where fire officials believe the Bear Fire originated. (Dan Coyro — Santa Cruz Sentinel)

The Bear Fire, which began as a structure fire on private property roughly six miles east of Boulder Creek, is expected to be 100 percent contained by the end of this week, according to Cal Fire officials. In total, the fire burned almost 400 acres, destroyed four structures and injured nine firefighters.

The fire burned within 1 mile of the southeastern boundary of Castle Rock State Park, but was contained before it could do more damage. The affected region is very steep and inaccessible terrain made up mostly of chaparral and redwood. It is unclear at this time how many redwoods trees, if any, were destroyed in the fire.

The quarter inch of rain that fell late Oct. 19 contributed significantly to the fire’s containment, according to Cal Fire spokeswoman Angela Bernheisel.

Although the cause of the fire is still under investigation, the 30-acre property on Bear Creek Canyon Road has a history of criminal activity, according to the Santa Cruz Sentinel.

On Sunday night, a new wildfire almost ignited in the Bear Fire area after a resident dumped hot ashes from their fireplace, Cal Fire said.

At present, firefighters continue to reinforce containment lines around the fire and mop up the fire area.

For more information, visit www.fire.ca.gov/current_incidents/incidentdetails/Index/1902.