Lake, Santa Barbara

Fire at a glance (numbers)

Incident Name: Lake, Santa Barbara
State: CA
Lead Agency: LPF
Size (acres): 38,664
Percent Contained: 90%
Estimate of Containment: July 31, 2024
Personnel: 447
Structures Destroyed: 4

Lake, Los Padres NF, USFS. Nine miles northeast of Los Olivos, CA. Grass, brush and timber. Minimal fire behavior with creeping and smoldering. Structures threatened. Area, road and trail closures in effect.

July 27, 2024 at 10:15 AM

This will be the last Lake Fire Incident Update.

Crews are continuing with suppression repair efforts in the area of the Lake Fire. Water bars are being constructed on fire lines in the area to reduce the potential of soil erosion and contamination of waterways by potential debris flow. Heavy equipment will be used to push large piles of dirt and vegetation back over the lines. With the goal of restoring the area as close to pre-fire conditions as possible, the project will be underway for several weeks.

A type 3 incident management team from the Los Padres National Forest assumed command of the Lake Fire this morning at 7:00 a.m.

Forecast for Saturday: Hot and dry conditions will continue with highs in the upper 90s to low 100s. Relative humidity will drop to between 12% and 28% in the afternoon. Light winds are expected in the early morning, then west-northwest winds increase at 10:00 am to 5-10 mph with gusts from 15-18 mph.

Lake Fire Area Closure: All roads, trails, and recreational areas within the Los Padres National Forest Closure Order are closed to the public. Refer tothe Closure Order & Closure Order Map 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 This closure will remain in effect until August 18, 2024, or until revised or rescinded.

Evacuation Areas: All Evacuation Orders and Evacuation Warnings previously in place due to the Lake Fire have been lifted. Residents are urged to drive slowly and take caution when returning home as emergency personnel continue working in the area. The Los Padres National Forest Closure Order is still in place.

July 24, 2024 at 9:45 AM

Yesterday at 4:00 p.m. the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office cancelled all Evacuation Orders and Evacuation Warnings previously in place due to the Lake Fire. Residents are urged to take caution when returning home as emergency personnel continue working in the area. The Los Padres National Forest Closure Order is still in place.

The majority of the work on the Lake Fire has transitioned to fire suppression repair. Crews and heavy equipment operators have been busy rehabilitating dozer lines, trails, and roadways around the fire area. Crews are working to the south from Manzana School House to the fire perimeter chipping brush cut to bolster control lines. After some difficulty getting equipment into the area, repair work has begun from Miranda Pines Mountain to the southwest. Along the southern edge of the fire, suppression repair is 95% complete. Firefighters are working with resource advisors assigned to the incident to identify sensitive cultural sites and damaged roads and trails.

Yesterday, flights by helicopters and drones with infrared camera technology found very little heat in the vicinity of the fire line. Firefighters will continue to seek out smoldering spots until they are certain there is no longer a threat to the established control line. Many hot spots are burning out on their own as heavy fuels burn down to ash.

Forecast for Wednesday: Persistent heat and low humidity are expected through Thursday.

Lake Fire Area Closure: Some roads and trails within the Los Padres National Forest are closed. Refer to the Closure

Order & Closure Order Map 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.

July 22, 2024 at 9:52 AM

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.

July 21, 2024 at 8:05 AM

The Lake Fire has been split into a North and South Zone as the fire expanded in acreage and personnel. The fire remains under Unified Command with California Incident Management Team 2, CAL FIRE Team 5, Santa Barbara County Fire and Santa Barbara County Sheriff with two fire camps to support firefighting efforts.

North Zone Fire Report: California Complex Incident Management Team 2 (CA-CIMT2) took command of the Lake Fire at 7 p.m. last night. An Excessive Heat Warning remains in effect until 10:00 pm Wednesday. Overall fire activity remains quiet across the fire. Several Hotshot Crews remain “spiked out”, continuing to construct firelines in steep, rugged portions in the northern part of the fire. An Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) will fly today to assist crews in locating and extinguishing hotspots and smoldering embers. Resource Advisors are working with crews to repair dozerlines, fences, and other features as a result of the firefighting efforts along containment lines. Ongoing Demobilization or reassignment of resources continues.

South Zone: Firefighters were able to enhance containment lines and continue suppression repair. For more detailed information about the Lake Fire, visit the Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency Management.

Forecast for Saturday: Expect the warmest and driest conditions this week with highs in the mid-90s to near 100 under full sunshine. There will be low humidity levels across the fire.

July 20, 2024 at 11:02 AM

North Zone Fire Report: California Complex Incident Management Team 2 (CA-CIMT2) took command of the Lake Fire at 7 p.m. last night. An Excessive Heat Warning remains in effect until 10:00 pm Wednesday. Overall fire activity remains quiet across the fire. Several Hotshot Crews remain “spiked out”, continuing to construct fire lines in steep, rugged portions in the northern part of the fire. An Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) will fly today to assist crews in locating and extinguishing hotspots and smoldering embers. Resource Advisors are working with crews to repair dozer lines, fences, and other features as a result of the firefighting efforts along containment lines. Ongoing Demobilization or reassignment of resources continues.

South Zone: Firefighters were able to enhance containment lines and continue suppression repair. For more detailed information about the Lake Fire, visit the Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency Management.

Forecast for Saturday: Expect the warmest and driest conditions this week with highs in the mid-90s to near 100 under full sunshine. There will be low humidity levels across the fire.

July 18, 2024 at 10:27 AM

North Zone Fire Report: Firefighters continue to extend containment line along the fire edge and add to the percentage of containment. An Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) is in use to detect heat from the air to assist crews in locating and extinguishing hotspots and smoldering embers. Shifting winds today and an extreme heat warning tomorrow may increase fire behavior. The use of fire retardant from aircraft has been very successful in assisting ground crews.

South Zone Fire Report: Fire held to control lines with no further growth expected, crews continue to mop up and pull hose. Small, isolated instances of heat remain interior. For more detailed information related to the Lake Fire, visit the Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency Management External Link.

Forecast for Thursday: Warming conditions continue with widespread afternoon highs in the 90s under sunny skies. Humidity continues to decrease. Northwest onshore wind gusts of 15-20 mph are anticipated

July 17, 2024 at 10:24 AM

North Zone Fire Report: Favorable weather and fire behavior provided an opportunity for firefighters to extend containment line along the fire edge with increasing confidence that the Lake Fire will not escape those lines. Dozer work is near completion. Along the southeast portion of the fire, firefighters continue working to search and destroy smoldering embers and connect containment lines across the less accessible portions of the fire edge.

South Zone Fire Report: Today crews increased containment lines and continued mop up. Creeping, smoldering, and low-intensity pockets are well interior of the fire perimeter. For more detailed information related to the Lake Fire, visit the Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency Management website at www.ReadySBC.org.

Forecast for Wednesday: Slightly warmer and drier as high pressure begins to build. Expect highs generally in the upper 80s to mid-90s under full sunshine. Afternoon northwest winds 5-10 mph with gusts 15-20 mph.

Donations: We appreciate the outpouring of support from the community. We ask that any donations or volunteer efforts be directed to local food banks to assist the community and those displaced by the fire. Lake Fire Incident Command posts cannot accept donations.

Updated Lake Fire Area Closure: The Los Padres National Forest has increased the area closure for lands affected by the Lake Fire. View the Closure Order & Closure Order Map. This will remain in effect until August 18, 2024, or until revised or rescinded.

July 16, 2024 at 10:17 AM

The Lake Fire is split into a North and South Zone: The fire remains under Unified Command with California Complex Incident Management Team 13, CAL FIRE, Santa Barbara County Fire, and Santa Barbara County Sheriff, with two main fire camps to support firefighting efforts.

North Zone Fire Report: Firefighters continue to look for opportunities to go direct on the fire and build containment lines close to the fire edge around the Sisquoc River. Handline is being extended to connect the Schoolhouse Road to Zaca Ridge. Additional hotshot crews will be inserted into remote portions of the Zaca Ridge area via helicopter to be positioned to increase containment lines. Along the southeast portion of the fire, firefighters continue working to connect firelines across the less accessible portions of the fire edge. Crews have been successful in protecting natural resources even with significant dozer line construction and suppression activities.

South Zone Fire Report: Crews continued monitoring and strengthening control lines around the Lake Fire. Suppression repair work is beginning across the south zone, repairing and naturalizing dozer lines, installing water bars, and other work to repair any damage caused by suppression efforts.

Forecast Report for Tuesday: A gradual warming and drying trend starts Wednesday and continues into the weekend with daytime highs back into the 90s to around 100 degrees with lowering humidity values, especially at night above the marine inversion layer.

July 15, 2024 at 10:18 AM

North Zone Fire Report: Firefighters continue making good progress as increased humidity and cooler temperatures reduced fire activity. On the north portion of the fire perimeter, firefighters continue to secure the fire edge along the Sisquoc River. Crews will be inserted into remote portions of the Zaca Ridge area via helicopter to be positioned to increase containment lines. Along the southeast portion of the fire, firefighters continue “mop up” which is the finding and extinguishing of any smoldering materials near the fire line.

South Zone Fire Report: Crews are making continued progress strengthening control lines around the Lake Fire. There was decreased fire activity overnight due to improved weather conditions. The Happy Canyon and Figueroa Contingency Groups have completed construction of contingency lines.

Forecast Report for Monday: Highs in the 80s and lower 90s. Afternoon humidity values will trend slightly drier with readings forecast from 18-32% across much of the fire. Afternoon northwest winds 5-10 mph with gusts 15-20 mph.

Donations: We appreciate the outpouring of support from the community. We ask that any donations or volunteer efforts be directed to local food banks to assist the community and those displaced by fire. Lake Fire Incident Command Posts cannot accept donations.

Lake Fire Area Closure: The Los Padres National Forest has increased the area closure for lands affected by the Lake Fire. View the Closure Order & Closure Order Map. This will remain in effect until August 18, 2024, or until revised or rescinded.

Smoke: Yesterday, smoke production from the Lake fire was moderated and transported to the north and northeast. The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department and the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) have updated the Air Quality Alert which includes the Santa Ynez Valley and other areas in proximity to the Lake Fire.

July 13, 2024 at 11:14 AM

TheLake Fire is split into a North and South Zone as the fire expands in acreage and personnel. The fire remains under Unified Command with California Complex Incident Management Team 13, CAL FIRE, Santa Barbara County Fire, and Santa Barbara County Sheriff, with two fire camps to support firefighting efforts.

North Zone Fire Activity: On the north portion of the fire perimeter, the fire continues to slowly back down to the Sisquoc River. Due to increased humidity, fire behavior today will be subdued, allowing crews to work closer to the fire edge. The fire continues to be more active in the Davey Brown area, Ranger Peak and Goat Rock areas. The fire is moving as planned to the established control lines, with crews focusing on any spot fires escaping those lines. Ground crews continue to work with various aircraft as needed to assist with suppression tactics.

South Zone Fire Activity: Firefighters continue to make good progress mopping up hot spots and strengthening control lines on the Lake Fire. Firefighters have conducted firing operations to create a buffer zone in areas of the fire, and they continue to strengthen control lines, identifying and extinguishing any remaining hot spots within the fire perimeter. Today, crews continue to actively fight fire while working on strengthening containment and control lines.

Forecast for Saturday: A 10-20% chance of mainly dry thunderstorms through the day capable of producing lightning strikes along with gusty outflow winds. Otherwise partly cloudy skies and slightly cooler with highs in the upper 80s to upper 90s. General winds Southwest 6-12 mph with gusts 20-25 mph but much stronger gusts possible with thunderstorm outflows.

Updated Lake Fire Area Closure: The Los Padres National Forest has increased the area closure for lands affected by the Lake Fire. View the Closure Order & Closure Order Map. This 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 updated the Air Quality Alert which includes the Santa Ynez Valley and other areas in proximity to the Lake Fire.

July 12, 2024 at 11:14 AM

The Lake Fire is split into a North and South Zone as the fire expands in acreage and personnel. The fire remains under Unified Command with California Complex Incident Management Team 13, Santa Barbara County Fire, Santa Barbara County Sheriff and CAL FIRE, with two fire camps to support firefighting efforts.

North Zone Fire Activity: On the north end, the fire continues to slowly back down to the Sisquoc River. Fire crews have spent several days preparing this area to hold the fire at the river. The fire is slowly working its way down Lion Canyon. To the east, the fire continues to hold along Zaca Ridge. On the south end, the fire continues to actively move south and east through the Davey Brown area, Ranger Peak and Goat Rock areas. Once holding lines are secure, tactical firing operations will be used in the coming days to reduce burnable fuels ahead of the fire. Ground crews continue to work with various aircraft as needed to assist with suppression tactics.

South Zone Fire Activity: Firefighters have conducted firing operations to create a buffer zone in areas of the fire, and they continue to strengthen control lines, identifying and extinguishing any remaining hot spots within the fire perimeter. Today, crews continue to actively fight fire while working on strengthening containment and control lines.

Forecast for Friday: No significant changes are expected. Winds will remain in a westerly direction, with speeds generally light at 5-10 mph and gusts up to 15 mph, with some local gusts reaching 25 mph on ridges above 3500 feet. Afternoon highs will return to the 90s to near 100, with relative humidity values dropping to 10-20%.

Los Padres National Forest recreation areas with the Santa Barbara and Santa Lucia Ranger Districts may be impacted by smoke and ash from the Lake Fire. A portion of the Los Padres NF is closed, please refer to the Closure order and Closure map for further information.

July 11, 2024 at 11:20 AM

Tactical firing operations will continue over the next couple of days on the south and south-east side of the fire to control fire spread. A large spot fire crossed the line yesterday but is being tied back via dozer line to the planned control lines. Westerly winds are assisting firefighters in keeping the fire from moving west toward ranches and communities.

Crews will be continuing to improve primary and contingency lines in the northern portion of the fire area with the intent of burning out along certain portions to create solid control lines. Along much of the east portions of the fire, little growth has been seen as the fire moves into the 2007 Zaca Fire scar.

FUELS ADVISORY: Precipitation and temperature alignments throughout the winter and spring of 2024 have resulted in an above average load of herbaceous fuels across many grass-dominated systems throughout California. The above normal grass and herbaceous load creates a continuous fuel bed, allowing for rapid spread of fires when these fuels are cured. The continuous nature of the herbaceous fuel bed is enhanced by remnant thatch resulting from herbaceous growth during the abnormally wet late summer and fall of 2023 and multiple consecutive years of above average herbaceous growth. View Fire and Fuels Advisory.

WEATHER: A Red Flag Warning remains in effect today with strong winds, potential for longer fire spotting distances along with hot, dry conditions. Due to the inversion layers, it is 40 to 50 degrees warmer above the 2000′ level than it is along the lower, coastal areas. This warmer, dry, and windy weather will result in increased fire growth relative to previous days.

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. Some road closures and evacuation orders have been implemented. A significant number of firefighting resources are working the incident, including handcrews, engines, dozers, and air resources for water and retardant drops.

EVACUATION ORDERS – View the Santa Barbara County 2024 LAKE FIRE Incident Map to see if your property falls within the highlighted areas.

The following areas are under an EVACUATION ORDER:

Woodstock (Areas north of Calzada Ave, east of E. Oak Trail Rd., west of Happy Canyon, and south of the Sisquoc River)
Goat Rock Areas (Area of Goat Rock, east of Figueroa Creek, north of the US Forest Service entrance at Happy Canyon Road, and south of Cachuma Mountain)
SB Ranger area (remote forest area east of Goat Rock)
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
All areas from Figueroa Mountain Road at Junction Camp (including Tunnel Rd) to Chamberlin Ranch and all areas from Zaca Lake Rd at Foxen Canyon Road north to the Sisquoc River including east of Foxen Canyon Road to the 9000 block.

The following areas are under an EVACUATION WARNING:

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.
Area east and north of Alisos Rd (L-shaped road), west of Cachuma Creek, and south of the US Forest Service entrance at Happy Canyon Road.
Area east of Highway 154, north of Armour Ranch Road/Secretariate St, west of Alisos Rd, and south of the Woodstock area.
Area east of Figueroa Mountain Road, north of Highway 154, west of Calzada Ave/W Oak Trail Rd and south of Woodstock Rd.

Note: Highway 154 is not within the Evacuation Warning and remains open at this time.

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.

To sign-up or update your account for Santa Barbara County Alerts, please visit: Prepare | Santa Barbara County, CA – Official Website (readysbc.org)

AREA CLOSURE: The Los Padres National Forest has issued an area closure for lands affected by the Lake Fire. View the Closure Order & Closure Order Map.

SMOKE: Visit AirNow to find out the Air Quality Index in your area. As smoke gets worse, the amount of particles in the air increases- and so do the steps you should take to protect yourself. visit AirNow for precautions you can take to protect your health when air pollution gets bad. The Santa Barbara County Ai Pollution Control Board has issue warnings and suggestions for air quality related to the Lake Fire.

Drones: Federal, state, and local wildland fire management agencies and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) urge members of the public not to fly “Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)” or drones over or near wildfires. Unauthorized drone flights pose serious risks to firefighter and public safety and the effectiveness of wildfire suppression operations. Drone PSA – Youtube.

July 10, 2024 at 10:36 AM

Overall, a quiet night on the fire. Tactical firing operations will continue ahead of the fire to control fire spread. Significant fire 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.

July 10, 2024 at 7:29 AM

Fire growth was primarily to the southeast with high intensity, aggressive burning, active torching, and mid-range spotting. Rapid rates of spread observed. The portions of the fire above the marine layer are active throughout the night. Slope-reversal with rapid uphill runs were observed in many areas. Aviation resources were able to limit growth in a few critical areas but limited in other areas due to smoke.

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.

WEATHER: A Red Flag Warning goes into effect at 12:00 today with strong winds, potential for longer fire spotting distances along with hot, dry conditions. Due to the inversion layers, it is 40 to 50 degrees warmer above the 2000′ level than it is along the lower, coastal areas. This warmer, dry, and windy weather will result in increased fire growth relative to previous days.

July 9, 2024 at 10:24 AM

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.

July 9, 2024 at 7:40 AM

Most of the fire ignition and growth is in the southeast portion of the fire with more fire activity in the overnight hours. The fire is burning in grass, brush and timber, and is currently 21,763 acres and 8% contained. Aviation resources were able to limit growth in some critical areas but had limitations due to smoke. Additional fire growth is possible in the coming days with wind driving fire spread and record low moisture levels. Evacuation orders are in place.

Large area ignition and growth to the southeast. High intensity and aggressive burning, active torching, mid-range spotting, Rapid rates of spread observed. Some areas are much more active at night. Slope- reversal with rapid uphill runs were observed in many areas.

Active and high intensity fire behavior along all flanks but the most active is on the southeast flank. Aviation resources were able to limit growth in a few critical areas but limited in other areas due to smoke. Several large smoke columns were observed.

July 8, 2024 at 9:38 AM

Most of the fire ignition and growth is in the southeast portion of the fire with more fire activity in the overnight hours. The fire is burning in grass, brush and timber. Aviation resources were able to limit growth in some critical areas but had limitations due to smoke. Additional fire growth is possible in the coming days with wind driving fire spread and record low moisture levels. Evacuation orders are in place.

Unified Command: California Complex Incident Management Team 13, Santa Barbara County Fire and CAL FIRE.

Evacuations: Effective Sunday July 7, the following areas have been updated for EVACUATION WARNINGS and EVACUATION ORDERS due to threats to life and safety caused by the Lake Fire.

EVACUATION WARNING has been issued for the identified properties and parcels north of Calzada Ave, east of E. Oak Trail Rd, west of Happy Canyon, and south of the Sisquoc River areas.
EVACUATION WARNING is still in effect for the areas north of Zaca Lake Road, east of Foxen Canyon Road, and from the 9000 block and north to the Sisquoc River (including Rancho Sisquoc).
EVACUATION WARNING upgraded to EVACUATION ORDER for all areas from Figueroa Mountain Road at Junction Camp (including Tunnel Rd) to Chamberlin Ranch and all areas from Zaca Lake Rd at Foxen Canyon Road north to the Sisquoc River including east of Foxen Canyon Road to the 9000 block.
ALL EVACUATION WARNINGS and EVACUATION ORDERS in effect may be reviewed at Lake Fire Incident – July 2024 | Incendio Lake | Santa Barbara County, CA – Official Website (readysbc.org)

Residents can utilize the Santa Barbara County 2024 LAKE FIRE Incident Mapto type in their address to see if their property falls within the highlighted areas.

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

July 7, 2024 at 8:16 PM

The fire is burning in grass, brush and timber in rugged terrain that is difficult for fire crews to access in certain areas. Santa Barbara County has issued evacuation orders for Figueroa Mountain Road from 5380 Figueroa Mountain Road (also known as the Grass Mountain Trail Head) to the neighborhood within Sawmill Basin, including Tunnel Road and the Figueroa Campground. An evacuation warning North of Zaca Lake Road, east of Foxen Canyon Road, and South of the Sisquoc River.

California Complex Incident Management Team 13, led by Incident Commander Boehm, has taken operational control of the fire under Unified Command with Santa Barbara County Fire and Cal Fire. Cooperators working on this incident include Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department, Santa Barbara Office of Emergency Management, Santa Barbara County Department of Public Works, the Chumash Fire Department, the California Highway Patrol and California Office of Emergency Services.

July 7, 2024 at 7:42 AM

Los Padres National Forest is in Unified Command with CAL FIRE and Santa Barbara County Fire Department. Complex Incident Management Team 13 will assume operational command of the fire at 6:00 AM tomorrow morning. Fire crews will be focused on life and property for their top priorities. They will be providing structure protection to values at risk. When they are able to construct fire line on the fires edge they will do so. They are also constructing fire line in locations where they find opportunities for successfully stopping the advancing fire. In the next 24 hours the fire has potential for large growth. The fire will continue to burn to the northwest and south cardinal directions.

On July 5th, 2024, at approximately 4:00 p.m., firefighters from the Los Padres National Forest and Santa Barbara County Fire responded to a vegetation fire near Zaca Lake. The Lake Fire is currently 13,264 acres this afternoon, with 0% containment, and continues to actively burn. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

A significant number of firefighting resources have been ordered for the incident, including hand-crews, engines, dozers, and fixed and rotor wing aircraft. A Complex Incident Management Team will take operational control of the fire tomorrow morning (7/7/24). This will allow the initial fire crews and managers to get some rest.

Fire crews currently assigned are fighting the fire aggressively with the public and their safety as the top priority.

EVACUATION ORDERS – View the Interactive Esri Evacuation Map

Figueroa Mountain Road from the Forest Station to Chamberlin Ranch.
Sheltering support call 805-678-3073; Animal evacuations call 805-698-0212.
Are you a farmer or rancher, and need limited access to your property? Learn about the Santa Barbara Ag Pass Program. Advanced registration and training required.

EVACUATION WARNINGS

North of Zaca Lake Road, east of Foxen Canyon Road, and South of the Sisquoc River.

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.

To sign-up or update your account for Santa Barbara County Alerts, please visit: Prepare | Santa Barbara County, CA – Official Website (readysbc.org)

WEATHER: An EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING through next week continues to affect the fire with high temperatures, drying vegetation, and little relief at night. The National Weather Service has reported that “A heat wave this intense, this long, has not been experienced in this region in 20 years.”

Fire at a glance (numbers)

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