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: 38,663 acres
Containment: 73%

Personnel: 2,055

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

North Zone Fire Report: California Complex Incident Management Team 2 (CA-CIMT2) has arrived at the Lake Fire and will shadow with outgoing CA-CIMT13 today, before assuming command of the Lake Fire at 7 p.m. tonight. An Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) was flown again yesterday to assist crews in locating and extinguishing hotspots and smoldering embers. Shifting winds and an Excessive Heat Warning may increase activity and visible smoke from within the fire perimeter. Crews continue working to ensure the fire does not escape the existing perimeter. Demobilization or reassignment of resources will continue as crews complete their tasks and the fire increases in containment.

South Zone: Fire suppression repair continues in the South Zone. Small, isolated occurrences of heat remain interior. For more detailed information related to the Lake Fire, visit the Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency Management.

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

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. Lake Fire Incident Command posts cannot accept donations.

Lake Fire Area Closure: Roads and trails within the closure are closed. Refer to the Closure Order & Closure Order Map.  This will remain in effect until August 18, 2024, or until revised or rescinded. 

Smoke: As air quality conditions improve, the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) —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.

Evacuation Areas: The Santa Barbara County Sheriff has reduced some of the evacuation orders and warnings.  See the most recent updates: https://www.readysbc.org/4275/Lake-Fire-Incident---July-2024. Register for emergency alerts at ReadySBC.org.

Road Closures: Visit the County Road Closure Map for details.

• Happy Canyon Road at the Forest Service Boundary
• Figueroa Mountain just north of Midland School
• Forest Route 10N06 
• Zaca Lake Road east of Foxen Canyon Road.