Lake, Angeles National Forest

Lake, Angeles NF, USFS. Seventeen miles west of Lancaster, CA. Timber, brush and chaparral. Minimal fire behavior. Numerous structures and energy infrastructure threatened. Area and trail closures in effect.

September 6, 2020 at 12:48 PM

Control lines have been completed all around the fire’s perimeter. Firefighters are now patrolling the fire line to ensure that all lines continue to hold and that there is no heat near the fire’s perimeter. Firefighters have been monitoring the fire area for pockets of isolated heat and smoke. When safe to do so, firefighters have gone into the interior of the fire area to fully extinguish those hot spots that may pose a threat of spotting and escaping over containment lines. Crews have been able to perform a significant amount of fire suppression repair around the fire; primarily focusing on blocking off public access to dozers lines, rehabilitating some of these lines and installing a large number of water bars to prevent against erosion. However, due to the elevated fire activity throughout California and the drawdown of resources, crews will not be able to fully complete fire suppression repair of the entire fire area at this time.

August 25, 2020 at 9:26 PM

The Lake Fire continued to be less active today with no increase in acreage. Containment is now at 70%. The Lake Fire is burning in 100-year-old fuels consisting of Big Cone Douglas Fir, Oak, and Gray Pine. The fire is holding northeast of Interstate 5 and south of Highway 138 in steep and rugged terrain.

Firefighters were able to hike into the head of Pine Canyon via a trail from Atmore Meadows. Handline has been completed in this section and is ready for tactical firing operations, should conditions allow. Crews have been mopping up (looking for hotspots within containment lines) in the area of Liebre Mountain and down into lower Pine Canyon. All secondary contingency line has been completed, and suppression repair is underway. Suppression repair activities include pulling brush back over handline and adding water bars to prevent excess erosion on dozer lines. Small amounts of smoke from pockets of vegetation that continue to burn in the fire’s interior continues to be visible.

There have been four reportable injuries to firefighters on this incident

Weather:

Warming and drying after a brief round of tropical moisture will continue to be the theme through the week. Temperatures tonight are forecasted to be 70-75 degrees with humidity hovering around 40-50%. The west to southwest winds will persist tonight at 5-10 mph with gusts up to 15 mph.

This morning, all evacuated residents were permitted to return to their homes. Intermittent power outages and other hazards may still be present in the area. Areas repopulated today, included:

South of Highway 138 and CA Aqueduct
East of Old Ridge Route
West of Kings Canyon Road
North of Pine Canyon Road
Please be cautious when driving along recently reopened roads for your safety and the safety of the crews still working in the area.

Roads Reopened Today Included:

Lake Hughes Road from Ridge Route Road to Deeswood Drive
San Francisquito Canyon/Dry Gulch Roads to Lake Hughes Road
Areas to Remain Closed:

Lower and Upper Lake Castaic
Lake Castaic Recreation Areas

The Castaic Lake Recreation Area and surrounding areas are being used in support of the fire. The upper and lower lakes and recreation facilities are closed until further notice. Heavy equipment and emergency vehicles are still active along Lake Hughes Road

Forest Fire Closure/Restrictions:

The Angeles National Forest has closed all National Forest System lands within the Lake Fire closure area by Order No. 05-01-20-6. On Saturday, August 1st, the Forest changed its Fire Danger Level from VERY HIGH to EXTREME. Angeles Forest Order No. 0501-20-05 prohibits all campfires within the Angeles National Forest. No fires of any type including cooking stoves, lanterns, and similar devices which use propane, white gas, or similar fuels are allowed at this time.
Smoke Outlook:

Currently, there are no active smoke advisories near the Lake Fire from the South Coast Air Quality Management District.

Cooperating Agencies:

CalFire, County of Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, California Highway Patrol, County of Los Angeles Public Works, County of Los Angeles Animal Care & Control, County of Los Angeles Parks & Recreation, Red Cross, and Southern California Edison.

August 24, 2020 at 6:05 AM

LAKE FIRE REPOPULATION ANNOUNCEMENT

WHAT: Area to be repopulated on the Lake Fire

WHEN: Monday, August 24, 2020 at 10:00 AM

WHERE: Residents of Kings Canyon Road, East to Shafer Road

The hard work and efforts of the multi-agency firefighting crews, utility companies, and cooperating partners resulted in lifting evacuation orders for residents of Kings Canyon Road east to Shafer Road. Residents can only access the area from Elizabeth Lake Road from the east or Lancaster road from the north. There is no access from the west. Repopulated residents may experience intermittent power outages.

AREA TO BE REPOPULATED MONDAY, AUGUST 24, 2020 AT 10:00 AM:

EAST OF KINGS CANYON ROAD
WEST OF SHAFER ROAD
NORTH OF PINE CANYON ROAD
SOUTH OF CA AQUEDUCT

Crews are still working to fully control the fire, and Southern California Edison crews are working to repair supply equipment and restore power. Please note, Incident Commanders and cooperators continue to evaluate all evacuated areas for future repopulation.

THE FOLLOWING AREAS WILL REMAIN UNDER EVACUATION ORDERS:

EAST OF OLD RIDGE ROUTE
WEST OF KINGS CANYON ROAD
NORTH OF PINE CANYON ROAD
THREE POINTS ROAD SOUTH OF HIGHWAY 138

THE CURRENT ROAD CLOSURES WILL REMAIN IN EFFECT:

THREE POINTS ROAD FROM HIGHWAY 138 TO PINE CANYON ROAD
OLD RIDGE ROUTE FROM HIGHWAY 138 TO PINE CANYON ROAD
LAKE HUGHES ROAD FROM RIDGE ROUTE ROAD TO DEESWOOD DRIVE
PINE CANYON ROAD FROM OLD RIDGE ROUTE TO KINGS CANYON ROAD
DRY GULCH ROAD FROM SAN FRANCISQUITO CANYON ROAD TO LAKE HUGHES ROAD

August 23, 2020 at 7:46 PM

There are many hazards that firefighters encounter when constructing containment lines. One specific hazard on the Lake Fire is the Yucca plant. When burned, the root ball releases from the soil and rolls downhill. These pineapple-sized chunks of burning material can escape containment lines and ignite unburned vegetation below firefighters working in steep terrain. Firefighters must watch out for these hazards to ensure their safety. 

Today’s priority for hand crews and engines was to continue holding containment lines on the southwest edge of the fire. Crews are using tactical firing operations (applying fire on the ground) as conditions allow. Tactical firing operations help reduce vegetation (fuel) on the forest floor, to widen previously constructed containment lines and stop the progress of the fire to the north and west to protect communities. A commonly used tool for tactical firing is the handheld drip torch. A drip torch consists of an aluminum cylinder containing a mixture of fuel, with a long spout at the top. The end of the spout has a wick, that ignites the fuel as it is poured from the spout by firefighters. Today, tactical firing operations on the Lake Fire were hindered by the increase in relative humidity.

Weather: A slight chance of thunderstorms and flash flooding remains, but the lack of activity so far continues to reduce these chances. A Flash Flood Watch remains in effect for the interior mountains, Cuyama and Antelope Valleys through 9:00 PM tonight. Recent burn areas, including the Lake Fire, could experience flooding and debris flows. Skies are expected to be partly cloudy tonight, with temperatures 70-75 degrees, with humidity around 50-60%. Winds are expected to be out of the west and southwest 5-10 mph, and gusting up to 15 mph.

Repopulation of Evacuees: Residents on the northeast side of the Lake Hughes community were permitted to return to their homes on Friday. Residents can only access the area via Elizabeth Lake Road from the east. There is no access from the west due to the current road closures. Residents returning to their homes will have to show identification. Intermittent power outages and other hazards may still be present in the area. For safety information on returning home after a wildfire visit: bit.ly/repopfacts

Evacuations: The following areas remain under evacuation orders; South of Highway 138, East of Old Ridge Route, West of Shafer Road, North of Pine Canyon Road / Elizabeth Lake Road, Lake Hughes Road South of Deeswood Drive, and North of Dry Gulch Road. Unified Incident Commanders continue to evaluate all evacuated areas for the potential to safely repopulate.

Evacuation Point(s):  Evacuation points will be opened as needed. If you should need assistance, please call 1-800-Red-Cross (1-800-733-2767).

Road Closures: Three Points Road from Highway 138 to Pine Canyon Road, Old Ridge Route from Highway 138 to Pine Canyon Road, Lake Hughes Road from Ridge Route Road to Deeswood Drive, Pine Canyon Road from Old Ridge Route to Shafer Road, Dry Gulch Road from San Francisquito Canyon Road to Lake Hughes Road. Additional Closures: The Castaic Lake Recreation Area and surrounding areas are being used in support of the fire. The upper and lower lakes and recreation facilities are closed until further notice.

August 15, 2020 at 10:52 AM

Extreme heat caused an increase in fire activity yesterday. If you live in the fire area, we encourage you to monitor this fire closely and review your Ready Set Go Plan or a  Red Cross Plan

The Lake Fire is currently 14,714 acres at 12% containment.  Acreage numbers change due to better mapping and additional data. Structures are threatened and mandatory evacuations are in place. Currently, 1,563 personnel from the Angeles National Forest, LA County and other cooperating agencies are working together to battle this fire. There are no injuries to firefighters at this time.

Poor air quality in and around the area of the fire will affect the public and first responders.

California Incident Management Team 5, a type 1 incident management team has assumed command of the Lake Fire as of 6:00 a.m. this morning. Poor overnight humidity recovery allowed for the fire to remain active moving into drainages with downslope winds and critically dry fuels. 6 structures have been destroyed.  Damage assessment teams are continuing their assessment of the communities impacted by the Lake Fire. There are no injuries to firefighters at this time. The Lake Fire Incident Command Post is located at Castaic Lake Recreation Area in Castaic, CA.

ROAD CLOSURES REMAIN IN EFFECT

San Francisquito Canyon Road from Stater Lane to Spunky Canyon

3 Points Road from Hwy 138 to Pine Canyon

Old Ridge Route from Hwy 138 to Pine Canyon

Lake Hughes Road from Ridge Route Road to Pine Canyon

EVACUATION ORDERS remain in effect for the Lake Hughes and surrounding area.

Lake Hughes Road West of Pine Canyon and North of Dry Gulch Rd.

East of Ridge Route Road

West of Lake Hughes Road and Fire Station 78

North of Pine Canyon and Lake Hughes Road

South of SR-138

EVACUATION SHELTERS

Red Cross:  213-347-4775 www.redcross.org/la

Highland High School 
39055 25th St. West Palmdale, CA 93551

The Castaic Sports Complex Evacuation Center has been closed.

·Clients and small animals can relocate to evacuation points where individual needs will be assessed by Red Cross Personnel. Clients must remain in vehicles and abide by Los Angeles County Health Orders.
 
ANIMAL CARE

Castaic Animal Care Center 31044 Charlie Canyon Road Castaic, CA 91384
Large Animals only, AV Fairgrounds, 2551 W Avenue H, Lancaster, CA 93536

August 14, 2020 at 10:24 PM

Extreme heat has caused an increase in fire activity this afternoon. If you live in the fire area, we encourage you to monitor this fire closely and review your Ready Set Go Plan or a  Red Cross Plan

Structures are threatened and mandatory evacuations are in place. Currently, 1,563 personnel from the Angeles National Forest, LA County and other cooperating agencies are working together to battle this fire. There are no injuries to firefighters at this time.

Poor air quality in and around the area of the fire will affect the public and first responders.

California Incident Management Team 5, a type 1 incident management team has assumed command of the Lake Fire as of 6:00 a.m. this morning. Poor overnight humidity recovery allowed for the fire to remain active moving into drainages with downslope winds and critically dry fuels. 6 structures have been destroyed.  Damage assessment teams are continuing their assessment of the communities impacted by the Lake Fire. There are no injuries to firefighters at this time.

ROAD CLOSURES REMAIN IN EFFECT

San Francisquito Canyon Road from Stater Lane to Spunky Canyon

3 Points Road from Hwy 138 to Pine Canyon

Old Ridge Route from Hwy 138 to Pine Canyon

Lake Hughes Road from Ridge Route Road to Pine Canyon

August 14, 2020 at 9:43 AM

EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM TODAY UNTIL 9 PM MONDAY

Poor air quality in and around the area of the fire will affect the public and first responders.

California Incident Management Team 5, a type 1 incident management team has assumed command of the Lake Fire as of 6:00 a.m. this morning. Poor overnight humidity recovery allowed for the fire to remain active moving into drainages with downslope winds and critically dry fuels. Damage assessment teams are continuing their assessment of the communities impacted by the Lake Fire

The fire was first reported on August 12th at 3:38 P.M. and is located near Lake Hughes Road just north of Warm Springs.

Angeles National Forest Fire Info Line(626) 574-5208

Evacuations
Mandatory evacuations are as follows:

Lake Hughes Road West of Pine Canyon and North of Dry Gulch Rd.
East of Ridge Route Road
West of Lake Hughes Road and Fire Station 78
North of Pine Canyon and Lake Hughes Road
South of SR-138

EVACUATION SHELTERS

Highland High School
39055 25th St. West Palmdale, CA 93551

Castaic Sports Complex
31230 Castaic Rd. Castaic, CA 91384

Clients and small animals can relocate to evacuation points where individual needs will be assessed by Red Cross Personnel. Clients must remain in vehicles and abide by Los Angeles County Health Orders.

ANIMAL CARE

Castaic Animal Care Center 31044 Charlie Canyon Road Castaic, CA 91384

Lancaster Animal Care Center 5210 W. Avenue I Lancaster, CA 93536

Palmdale Animal Care Center 38550 Sierra Highway Palmdale, CA 93440

Road Closures

San Francisquito Cyn Rd from Stater Lane to Spunky Canyon
3 Points Road from Hwy 138 to Pine Canyon
Old Ridge Route from Hwy 138 to Pine Canyon
Lake Hughes Road from Ridge Route Road to Pine Canyon

August 13, 2020 at 7:58 PM

Extreme fire behavior with uphill runs and spotting
Structures remain threatened
Mandatory evacuations in place for the area of Lake Hughes Rd as follows:

Northwest of Lake Hughes Road and Lake Elizabeth Road
West Trail Mtn View Road in Lake Hughes Community
From there, everything south of Hwy 138, all the way west to Old Ridge Route, including Pine Canyon community

Excessive heat warning in effect from 11AM Friday to 9PM Monday
Critical infrastructure threatened
Threat to Leona Valley, Lake Elizabeth, Pine Canyon, Quail Lake, Three Points, Historic Ridge Route and Inventoried Roadless areas
Threat to communications infrastructures for local, regional, and FAA communications systems
500kV transmission lines remain threatened as well as regional water supply systems

Road closures in the area:

Lake Hughes Road is currently closed from Castaic to Pine Canyon.
Road closures continue from 3 Points Rd to Pine Canyon Rd, Ridge Route to Lake Hughes Rd, and San Francisquito Canyon Rd, Stator Ln, to Elizabeth Lake.

August 13, 2020 at 9:54 AM

Fire will continue to grow and threaten the surrounding communities of Lake Hughes, Leona Valley, Lake Elizabeth, Pine Canyon, Quail Lake, Three Points, Historic Ridge Route and Inventoried Roadless Areas. Spotting and aggressive fire behavior will continue.

Evacuations
Mandatory evacuations in place for the area of Lake Hughes Rd as follows: 
 
Northwest of Lake Hughes Road and Lake Elizabeth Road
West Trail Mtn View Road in Lake Hughes Community
From there, everything south of Hwy 138, all the way west to Old Ridge Route, including Pine Canyon community  

August 13, 2020 at 6:47 AM

Early this morning a Nevada County Strike Team left for the Lake Fire in LA County. Engines from Peardale-Chicago Park, Higgins, Nevada County Consolidated, Nevada City and Rough&Ready fire departments form the strike team.

August 12, 2020 at 10:29 PM

Structures remain threatened
Critical infrastructure remains threatened
Threat to communities of Lake Hughes and Pine Canyon
500Kv transmission lines remain threatened
Road closures in the area
VLAT assigned
2 MAFFS assigned
Fire is burning in 2013 Powerhouse footprint
CA IMT1 Team 5 (Young) ordered, in-brief tomorrow @ 1600
Unified Command USFS and Los Angeles County

August 12, 2020 at 7:11 PM

The Lake Fire is currently 10,000 acres at 0% containment, with a very rapid rate of speed. 

Mandatory evacuations in place for the area of Lake Hughes Rd w/o Pine Cyn Rd & s/o Dry Gulch Rd. 

Evacuation Shelter
Highland High School Palmdale
39055 25th St. West Palmdale 

Large Animals Shelter
Antelope Valley Fairgrounds 
Castaic Fairgrounds 

August 12, 2020 at 6:23 PM

The fire was first reported on August 8th at 3:40 P.M. and is located near Lake Hughes Road just north of Warm Springs. We have sent a first and second alarm response. Currently, there several structures threatened.

Weather

Hot temperatures in the mid 90s and widespread humidities in the single digits and teens will affect a large portion of interior southwestern California including the mountains and deserts this afternoon. The gusty winds, low humidities, and hot temperatures will bring elevated to brief critical fire weather conditions to the mountains and Antelope Valley this afternoon.

Closures:

 Lake Hughes Road is currently closed from Castaic to Pine Canyon. Road closures continue from 3 Points Rd to Pine Canyon Rd, Ridge Route to Lake Hughes
SAFETY: Effective Saturday August 1, 2020, the Angeles National Forest changed its Forest Fire Danger Level from VERY HIGH to EXTREME.  Corresponding with this change, the Angeles National Forest moved into full fire restrictions including prohibiting campfires in developed sites.  You may read the  Angeles Forest Order No. 05-01-20-05 which prohibits all campfires within the Angeles National Forest.   The Angeles National Forest uses a 6 Level Fire Danger Rating System to determine fire restrictions which it adjusts throughout the year. 

Cooking stoves, lanterns, and similar devices which use propane, white gas or similar fuels are prohibited at this time.