Excessive heat warning issued for Santa Cruz Mountains

A group of seniors almost canceled their weekly Bocce Ball group at Skypark in Scotts Valley because it’s just too hot to play.

“As you get older you don’t adjust as well to the heat,” said Dough Marshall of Scotts Valley. “But we’re all out here moving around you know.”

They are doing so with caution to avoid heat related illnesses.

“Drinking water and wearing t-shirts,” said Bocce Ball player Robert White. “Putting myself in the shade when I can.”

Cal Fire is also asking people to stay hydrated and stay inside with fans and air conditioning running.

If you don’t have any of that, keep a wet towel around your neck.

“The valley is pretty notorious, known for being quite a bit warmer in the summertime,” said Colleen Baxter with Cal Fire. “We’re a little bit farther away from the ocean, so we’re gonna get the higher temperatures.”

This summer Cal Fire expects to respond to medical related heat exhaustion and wildfires.

“From the governor we’ve received extra monies to make sure we’re ready for fire season,” said Baxter.

Right now seasonal firefighters are in the process of training to help out with potential wildfires.

“We’re actually in fire season,” said Baxter. “We go to peak staffing on Monday. “We’ll have 12 engines available in our unit.”

Officials said even though the Central Coast was pounded with tons of rain, the vegetation is still dry. To decrease the chances of a wildfire, they’re asking people not to mow before 10 a.m. and extinguish campfires properly.

“Don’t take your vehicle into hot, dry areas that are grassy because your vehicle can also cause a spark,” said Baxter.