The Loma Fire charred more than 2000 acres and burned multiple structures in the area. (Credit: Josh Edelson AFP/Getty Images)
A wildfire that burned more than 4,400 acres in the Santa Cruz Mountains and destroyed a dozen homes was caused by a marijuana grower’s portable electrical generator, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said Thursday.
The Loma fire began Sept. 26 before 3 p.m. near Casa Loma Road and sparked mandatory evacuations in Loma Prieta as it burned through 4,474 acres and destroyed 12 homes and 16 other buildings before it was fully contained Oct. 12.
At its peak, nearly 2,000 firefighters were battling the blaze.
Fire investigators narrowed the source of the fire to one of three portable generators, officials said in a statement. The agency added that the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the legality of the marijuana operation.
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