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: 38,664 acres
Containment: 90%

Personnel: 746

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

Lake Fire

Post-fire actions were implemented immediately and are ongoing to repair damage and minimize potential soil erosion and impacts from fire suppression activities. This work involves repairing hand and dozer lines, roads, trails, staging areas, and other locations used during fire suppression efforts, aiming to restore these areas to their pre-fire conditions as closely as possible. Additionally, firefighters continue to monitor the fire perimeter to prevent any flare-ups.

California Interagency Incident Management Team 2 has been managing the Lake Fire and assumed command of the Apache Fire on Thursday morning.  

Forecast for Friday: 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 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 This closure will remain in effect until August 18, 2024, or until revised or rescinded. 

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.