Single Publication

This will be the last Lake Fire Incident Update. Please contact the Los Padres Forest Santa Lucia District Office for information regarding suppression repair efforts. 

Santa Lucia District Office: (805) 925-9538

Lake Fire Start: Friday, July 5, 2024 at 3:48 p.m.

Cause: Under investigation

Location: Near Zaca Lake in Santa Barbara County, north of Los Olivos, California

Size at time of update: 38,664 acres
Containment: 90%

Personnel: 447

Full Incident Details: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/calpf-2024-lake-fire

 Crews are continuing with suppression repair efforts in the area of the Lake Fire. Water bars are being constructed on fire lines in the area to reduce the potential of soil erosion and contamination of waterways by potential debris flow. Heavy equipment will be used to push large piles of dirt and vegetation back over the lines. With the goal of restoring the area as close to pre-fire conditions as possible the project will be underway for several weeks. 

A type 3 incident management team from the Los Padres National Forest assumed command of the Lake Fire this morning at 7:00 a.m.

Forecast for Saturday: Hot and dry conditions will continue with highs in the upper 90s to low 100s.  Relative humidity will drop to between 12% and 28% in the afternoon.  Light winds are expected in the early morning, then west-northwest winds increase at 10:00 am to 5-10 mph with gusts from 15-18 mph.

Lake Fire Area Closure: All roads, trails, and recreational areas within the Los Padres National Forest Closure Order are closed to the public. Refer to the Closure Order & Closure Order Map using links or visiting the Los Padres National Forest website. This closure will remain in effect until August 18, 2024, or until revised or rescinded. 

Evacuation Areas: All Evacuation Orders and Evacuation Warnings previously in place due to the Lake Fire have been lifted. Residents are urged to drive slowly and take caution when returning home as emergency personnel continue working in the area. The Los Padres National Forest Closure Order is still in place.