Single Publication

Lake Fire Incident Update July 22, 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: 90%

Personnel: 1,614

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

 Firefighters will continue to seek out and extinguish hot spots within the perimeter of the Lake Fire today.  Most of the heat has been located in islands of unburned vegetation. Fire crews have been busy extinguishing these hot spots with support from helicopters. Fire behavior within these islands may increase later this week as temperatures rise and vegetation dries out. 

Firefighters have begun the task back hauling equipment used to protect structures in the area away from the immediate perimeter of the burn. Besides removing hose lines and pump systems around structures, the fire resistant wrap used to protect the historic Manzana Schoolhouse and Dabney Cabin will be removed.

Contingency lines were constructed ahead of the fire as a precautionary measure in the event the fire escaped primary control lines. Firefighters are constructing water bars and taking other measures along these lines to reduce the potential of erosion during the winter rains.

Forecast for Monday: Persistent warmer and drier conditions continue with highs in the mid-90s to near 100 degrees mid-week. An excessive heat warning is in effect until 10 p.m. Thursday.

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: Some roads and trails within the Los Padres National Forest are closed. Refer to the Closure Order & Closure Order Map by 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 This closure will remain in effect until August 18, 2024, or until revised or rescinded. 

Smoke: The 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.