Large-Scale Grow-Ops Under Threat in California as Wildfires Continue to Rage in Region

Article by Las Vegas Sun

A blaze in a rugged area south of San Jose threatened hundreds of structures and destroyed at least one home as it burned aggressively, after charring more than 3 square miles of dry brush and timber.

A heat wave in parts of drought-stricken California worsened the wildfire that began Monday and forced hundreds of people from their homes in remote communities along the Santa Cruz Mountains.

It was 10 percent contained Tuesday night, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

One remote area where the fire burned is 30 minutes up a winding dirt road. Another is dotted with large-scale marijuana growing operations. A main route along the ridgetop is not accessible, even to firefighters, because of downed utility lines.

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Anthony Lopez returned to his home, which is still under evacuation orders, Tuesday. He was overjoyed to find his dozens of marijuana plants standing and his 1972 Buick Skylark uncharred.

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