Through the flames: Saving State Parks' historical records and artifacts

When the CZU Lightning Complex Fire roared through the Santa Cruz Mountains in August, Mark Hylkema, Supervisor of the Cultural Resources Program and Tribal Liaison/Archaeologist for the Santa Cruz District of California State Parks, and other key members of the State Parks team the sprang to action with a very specific focus: saving artifacts from threatened State Parks.
 
Hylkema, who has been with State Parks for 20 years, was home in Sunnyvale and getting reports from colleagues: the fire was racing through 1,000 acres an hour; rangers had to watch the historic buildings at Big Basin Redwoods State Park burn but successfully evacuated 1,600 campers, residents and staff from the park.
 
“I already knew Big Basin was toasted and there was nothing we could do about it,” Hylkema recalled.
 
What follows recounts efforts by Hylkema and others to save State Parks artifacts and structures, and the aftermath of the fire. It is by no means comprehensive but shares a small glimpse of the dedication in the face of danger shown during the CZU Lightning Complex Fire.

Visit our website to read more. 

Fire suppression system added inside historic Castro Adobe

The new fire suppression system was installed in the Castro Adobe in summer 2020 by Rollins Fire of Soquel. Mandated by state fire codes, the new system was specially designed to protect the two-story adobe while minimizing visual impact on the historic fabric of the adobe.

Inside the building, on the second floor, the fire suppression system is almost completely concealed by the ceiling boards. However, the system is more visible on the first floor. There, an attempt was made to conceal the piping as much as possible from the visitor’s direct view — pipes were hidden behind the steel beam, making them less visible from the front entrance.

Outside, the fire suppression is visible underneath the balcony and on the second floor. These pipes will eventually be painted to match the surrounding material and should “disappear” visually.

Much planning was completed beforehand to ensure that the smallest pipes were approved by the Fire Marshal to lessen the impacts visually to the historic fabric.

The fire suppression system will be connected to the new water tank supply soon. Protecting the historic adobe in the event of a fire is a top priority. See more photos on the Castro blog.

Henry Cowell SP gift shop reopens 

We're excited to announce that the Nature Store at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park has reopened after the CZU Lightning Complex Fire. Hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. Masks are required and capacity is limited due to COVID precautions. Proceeds benefit the Mountain Parks Foundation. Added bonus? Friends members get a discount!