Single Publication

Lake Fire Incident Update July 21, 2024

Lake Fire Phone: 213-631-5455 Hours: 8 a.m. – 8.p.m

Lake Fire Email: 2024.lake@firenet.gov

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: 73%

Personnel: 2,055

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

As of today, Cal Fire Team 5 has completed their assignment. The Cal Fire San Luis Obispo Unit remains in Unified Command.. The North and South Zone structure has been dissolved.

On the west end of the fire near the Sisquoc drainage, firefighters continue to construct direct handline where possible. Infrared heat signatures observed using an unmanned aerial system (UAS) are diminishing. All of the observed heat is within the fire line. To the east, firefighters will be search for heat in large areas of unburned fuels within the fire perimeter.  Firefighters have begun suppression repair on contingency lines constructed ahead of the fire. This process will reduce the impacts of suppression efforts on the land. 

Forecast for Sunday: Persistent warmer and drier conditions continue this week with highs in the mid-90s to near 100 degrees. There will be low humidity levels across the fire. 

Donations: We appreciate the outpouring of support from the community. We ask that donations or volunteer efforts be directed to local food banks to assist the community. Lake Fire Incident Command posts cannot accept donations.

Lake Fire Area Closure: Roads and trails within the closure are closed. Refer to the Closure Order & Closure Order Map.  This will remain in effect until August 18, 2024, or until revised or rescinded. 

Smoke: As air quality conditions improve, the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) —Santa Barbara County Public Health Department and the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) have lifted the Air Quality Alert in the Santa Ynez Valley. The Air Quality Watch will remain in place countywide, and air quality conditions are forecasted to be good to moderate throughout the county.

Evacuation Areas: The Santa Barbara County Sheriff has reduced some 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 details. 

• Happy Canyon Road at the Forest Service Boundary.
• Figueroa Mountain just north of Midland School.
• Forest Route 10N06.
• Zaca Lake Road east of Foxen Canyon Road.