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: 28,987 acres

Containment: 16%

Personnel: 2767

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

Media Assets: Official 2024 Lake Fire Photos and Videos

Current Fire Activity: Overall, a quiet night on the fire. Tactical firing operations will continue ahead of the fire to control fire spread. Significantfire activity on the southeast side of the fire footprint has prompted additional evacuations and an increase in acreage. Since the start of the Lake Fire, 1,500 people have been evacuated. There have been some firefighter injuries but they were not life threatening. Medical response has been quick and effective as firefighter safety remains the top priority. An excessive heat warning continues in the fire area. 

Lake Fire Background: On July 5, 2024, firefighters from the Los Padres National Forest and Santa Barbara County Fire responded to a vegetation fire near Zaca Lake that grew rapidly through grass and brush during a prolonged heat wave across the west coast. A significant number of firefighting resources are working the incident, including hand crews, engines, dozers, and air resources for water and retardant drops. The fire is under Unified Command with California Complex Incident Management Team 13, Santa Barbara County Fire and CAL FIRE.

Effective Tuesday, July 9, the following areas have been updated for EVACUATION WARNINGS due to threats to life and safety caused by the Lake Fire. 

EVACUATION WARNING issued for the area starting at the south end of Cachuma Creek, northeast of Santa Cruz Creek to Santa Cruz Peak, west through Grand Spring, and to the northern part of Cachuma Creek, due to the Lake Fire. Be prepared to leave.

FULL EVACUATION INFORMATION: https://www.readysbc.org/4275/Lake-Fire-Incident---July-2024

REGISTER TO RECEIVE ReadySBC ALERTS: If you haven’t registered for emergency alerts, register now at ReadySBC.org. Receive local emergency alerts via text, phone call, and email. 

Road Closures:

• Happy Canyon Road at the Forest Service Boundary
• Foxen Canyon Road at the Zaca Station Road and Alisos Canyon Road
• Figueroa Mountain Road at Midland School