CZU Fire 5 Years Later | Santa Cruz Mountains Real Estate
In August 2020, the CZU Lightning Complex Fire changed the Santa Cruz Mountains forever. Sparked by dry lightning and fueled by extreme weather conditions, the fire consumed more than 86,000 acres, destroyed over 900 homes, and displaced thousands of residents. For weeks, our skies were filled with ash and smoke, and our communities faced uncertainty, loss, and the daunting task of rebuilding.
Five years later, the scars are still visible, not just on the landscape but in the collective memory of everyone who calls this region home. Yet alongside those reminders are signs of remarkable resilience. Families have returned. New homes are taking shape where foundations once stood empty. Forest undergrowth is greening again, and neighbors who supported each other through evacuation and loss are now celebrating milestones together.
For those who lived through it, the CZU Fire was more than a news headline — it was a defining moment. Entire neighborhoods in Bonny Doon, Boulder Creek, and Davenport were forever altered. The fire also highlighted the unique challenges and strengths of mountain living. Narrow, winding roads became evacuation routes. Volunteer fire departments and local community centers became lifelines. The sense of isolation many cherish here was suddenly both a risk and a source of strength, as neighbors relied on each other more than ever before.
While rebuilding has been a long process, it has also brought innovation. Many homeowners have taken the opportunity to design fire-resistant homes, implement defensible space landscaping, and explore sustainable building practices suited for our mountain environment.
Immediately after the fire, the Santa Cruz Mountains real estate market faced a period of uncertainty. Some displaced families relocated permanently, while others sought temporary housing and began the long process of securing permits, insurance payouts, and contractor availability. Vacant lots, some cleared and some still holding remnants of structures, entered the market, presenting opportunities for buyers willing to navigate the complexities of post-fire rebuilding.
Today, five years later, the market has shifted again. Many rebuilt properties are now being listed for sale, often with modern designs, upgraded infrastructure, and thoughtful fire-prevention measures. Buyers drawn to the beauty and community of the Santa Cruz Mountains will find a mix of older homes, new construction, and undeveloped land.
Inventory remains tight, and demand is steady. Boulder Creek, Felton, Ben Lomond, and Bonny Doon continue to attract buyers who want a slower pace, close-knit neighborhoods, and easy access to both the coast and Silicon Valley. As always, purchasing property in the mountains comes with considerations from septic systems and water rights to fire insurance availability, and having a local expert on your side is key.
One of the lasting outcomes of the CZU Fire has been a greater awareness of fire preparedness in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Homeowners are more likely to maintain defensible space, invest in metal roofs or ember-resistant vents, and participate in community evacuation drills. Local governments and organizations have expanded outreach and resources, helping both longtime residents and newcomers understand the unique responsibilities of mountain living.
For prospective buyers, this preparedness mindset is a valuable part of the community culture. When you purchase property here, you’re not just buying a home — you’re joining a network of neighbors who understand the importance of looking out for one another.
The five-year anniversary of the CZU Fire is a moment to remember what was lost, honor the efforts of those who fought the fire and supported the community, and recognize how far we have come. It is also a reminder of why so many choose to make their lives here despite the challenges.
The Santa Cruz Mountains are more than a backdrop. They are a way of life. The redwoods, creeks, and winding roads form the physical landscape, but it is the people who create the heart of this place. The resilience shown in the years since the CZU Fire is proof that this community can weather hardship and emerge stronger.
Whether you are rebuilding, relocating, or dreaming of making the mountains your home, understanding the history and the present realities of this region is essential.
At Donner Land & Homes, we have walked alongside our neighbors through loss, recovery, and renewal. We know the terrain, the regulations, and the resources, and we understand the emotional weight that comes with buying or selling property in a place shaped by both beauty and adversity.
If you are considering a move within the Santa Cruz Mountains, whether to purchase land, buy a rebuilt home, or sell your property, we are here to guide you every step of the way. Five years on, the story of the CZU Fire is still being written, and this chapter is one of rebuilding, hope, and looking toward the future.
Donner Land & Homes
Your local real estate experts for the Santa Cruz Mountains
DRE #00498325 | DonnerLand.com