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Homeless Encampment Sparks Brush Fire Near Santa Cruz Park

SANTA CRUZ (CBS SF) -- A brush fire near a Santa Cruz park Saturday morning was sparked by a homeless encampment, according to city fire officials.

The fire was first reported in Pogonip Park at 6 a.m. Saturday morning, according to Santa Cruz Fire Battalion Chief Jason Hajduk.

The fire was located in steep, wooded terrain next to the park near railroad tracks, around half a mile from the park clubhouse.

The fire was contained to around 1 acre and prevented from spreading into nearby homes and heavily wooded terrain, Hajduk said.

Crews remained on the scene much of the day putting out hot spots.

Investigation indicated that a nearby encampment was the origin this fire, Hajduk said.

(Copyright 2012 by CBS San Francisco and Bay City News Service. All rights reserved. This material may not be

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