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: 26,176 acres

Containment: 12%

Personnel: 2485

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: Significant fire activity was in the wilderness area on the east side of the fire footprint. It resulted in significant smoke and expanded evacuation orders for remote areas. The main priority is to prevent the fire from moving toward communities to the south. There is a Red Flag Warning issued for the fire area with strong winds, potential for longer fire spotting distances along with hot, dry conditions. Damage assessments are ongoing as crews locate any structures impacted by the fire. Public Information Officers return to Santa Ynez today and will place fire information at key locations. Firefighter safety and quick medical response to illness or injury remains the top priority as crews are on the watch out for heat exhaustion and are working in hazardous terrain.

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 Monday, July 8, the following areas have been updated for EVACUATION WARNINGS and EVACUATION ORDERS due to threats to life and safety caused by the Lake Fire.  This is a remote area.  

• EVACUATION ORDER has been expanded 
  An evacuation order is in place for parts of the Figueroa Mountain area as follows: south of Tunnel House at Sisquoc River, east of Figueroa Creek, north of the southern end of Cachuma Mountain, and west of Los Padres National Forest areas.  Leave the area immediately. 
• EVACUATION WARNING has been expanded 
  An evacuation warning is in place for the area of Goat Rock, east of Figueroa Creek, north of the US Forest Service entrance at Happy Canyon Road, and south of Cachuma Mountain. 

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. 

Shelter: American Red Cross has opened a shelter at Solvang Veterans Memorial Hall - 1745 Mission Drive, Solvang, CA 93463.

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

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