Single Publication

Lake Fire Incident Update July 23, 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: 925

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

The heat signatures detected within the Lake Fire perimeter are decreasing with each passing day. Firefighters will continue to seek out and extinguish these smoldering spots until they are certain there is no longer a threat to the established control lines. Many of the hot spots are burning out on their own as heavy fuels burn down to ash.  Many of the assigned resources are no longer needed and are being released from the incident to be reassigned to other fires or travel home for some well-earned rest. Total assigned personnel dropped to below 1,000 yesterday. 

Fire managers are in the process of repositioning much of the heavy equipment previously assigned to the contingency group. Bulldozers, graders and other equipment are now tasked with repairing dozer lines and roadways impacted by fire operations. 

Forecast for Tuesday: 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. Most of the fire area is above the marine layer that has developed each evening over the last few days. The vegetation above the marine layer has not been affected by the higher humidity at the lower levels..

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 This closure will remain in effect until August 18, 2024, or until revised or rescinded.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.