A UC Santa Cruz employee called dispatchers with the UC Santa Cruz Police Department at 4 a.m. on January 30 to report a fire in the ravine east of Red Hill Road and west of McLaughlin Drive, near Science Hill. Personnel with the Santa Cruz Fire Department, Cal Fire and UC Santa Cruz Police Department found a wildland fire about 30-feet-by-30-feet. Firefighers extinguished the blaze within minutes.
Investigators determined the fire was arson.
Section 4421 of the Public Resources Code states that no person shall set fire or cause fire to be set to any forest, brush, or other flammable material which is on any land that is not his/her own, or under his/her legal control, without the permission of the owner, lessee, or agent of the owner or lessee of the land.
The investigation continues. Anyone who may be a witness to this crime or has information regarding this crime is encouraged to call the UC Santa Cruz Police Department at 831-459-2231, ext. 1.
Safety Tips
No action or inaction by a crime victim makes that person responsible for his or her victimization. Perpetrators are responsible for crimes and their effects.
- If you feel you or others are in danger, immediately call 911.
- Immediately report all crimes, suspicious people, activity or information to the UC Santa Cruz Police Department.
- Be alert to your surroundings. Your actions can help prevent others from becoming victims. Attempt to keep a safe distance from strangers.
- Whenever possible, please remember to lock you vehicle. Keep valuables secured and out of sight.
- Trust your instincts. If something or someone makes you uneasy, tell someone, avoid the person or leave the area.
- Encourage friends to travel in pairs or with trusted companions, especially at night or in remote areas.
- Use the Night Safety Escort Program, Monday through Thursday evening from 8:30 p.m. to 12:15 a.m. by calling 831-459-2231. More information can be found online.
Campus Resources
For students, a range of support services is available through the Cowell Student Health Center, including personal counseling through Counseling and Psychological Services and support through a Confidential Victim Advocate. More information can be found online.
For student and employees, the Office of Harassment and Discrimination, Prevention and Investigation Unit can provide assistance and can be reached at 831-459-2462.
For employees, the Employee Assistance Program can provide personal counseling and support. More information can be found online.
Report all in-progress crimes by calling 911.
This bulletin is in compliance with 20 U.S.C. Section 1092 (f), the "Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act" ("Clery Act"), and the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).
