Single Publication

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: 38,430 acres

Containment: 34%

Personnel: 3,546

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

Media Assets: Official 2024 Lake Fire Photos and Videos

The Lake Fire is split into a North and South Zone. The fire remains under Unified Command with California Complex Incident Management Team 13, CAL FIRE, Santa Barbara County Fire, and Santa Barbara County Sheriff, with two main fire camps to support firefighting efforts. 

North Zone Fire Report: Firefighters continue making good progress as increased humidity and cooler temperatures reduced fire activity. On the north portion of the fire perimeter, firefighters continue to secure the fire edge along the Sisquoc River. Crews will be inserted into remote portions of the Zaca Ridge area via helicopter to be positioned to increase containment lines. Along the southeast portion of the fire, firefighters continue “mop up” which is the finding and extinguishing of any smoldering materials near the fire line. 

South Zone Fire Report: Crews are making continued progress strengthening control lines around the Lake Fire. There was decreased fire activity overnight due to improved weather conditions. The Happy Canyon and Figueroa Contingency Groups have completed construction of contingency lines.

Forecast Report for Monday: Highsin the 80s and lower 90s. Afternoon humidity values will trend slightly drier with readings forecast from 18-32% across much of the fire. Afternoon northwest winds 5-10 mph with gusts 15-20 mph. 

Donations: We appreciate the outpouring of support from the community. We ask that any donations or volunteer efforts be directed to local food banks to assist the community and those displaced by fire. Lake Fire Incident Command Posts cannot accept donations.

Updated Lake Fire Area Closure: The Los Padres National Forest has increased the area closure for lands affected by the Lake Fire. View the Closure Order & Closure Order Map.  This will remain in effect until August 18, 2024, or until revised or rescinded. 

Smoke: Yesterday, smoke production from the Lake fire was moderated and transported to the north and northeast. The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department and the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) have updated the Air Quality Alert which includes the Santa Ynez Valley and other areas in proximity to the Lake Fire. 

Evacuation Areas: The Santa Barbara County Sherrif has reduced some of the Evacuation orders and warnings:  See the most recent updates: https://www.readysbc.org/4275/Lake-Fire-Incident---July-2024 Register for emergency alerts at ReadySBC.org.

  Road Closures: Visit the County Road Closure Map for more details.

• Happy Canyon Road at the Forest Service Boundary
• Figueroa Mountain Road at 1/2 mile north of Highway 154
• Calzada Avenue and Brinkerhofff Avenue at Roblar