Calif. wildfire starting point found

SANTA CRUZ, Calif., May 24 (UPI) -- Investigators Saturday combed a small area northeast of Santa Cruz, Calif., searching for clues to what started a wildfire that burned 17 homes.

A barren lot near Uvas Canyon County Park, about 12 miles northeast of Santa Cruz, has been pinpointed by California state investigators as the probable starting point for the Summit Fire, The San Francisco Chronicle reported Saturday. Investigators were searching the spot on hands and knees looking for evidence.

Authorities would not disclose to the newspaper what may have led them to the spot, nor would they provide information about the owner or disclose a specific address, citing only the mile marker the property is closest to.

Officials have ruled out lightning and downed power lines as possible causes.

The Summit Fire began Thursday and has burned 3,200 acres, destroying a total of 28 structures, including 17 homes. The fire had been 25 percent contained by Friday night, the San Jose Mercury-News reported. A southwest wind was expected to continue to hold the fire in check Saturday.