Single Publication

Lake Fire Incident Update July 14, 2024

Lake Fire Phone: 213-631-5455 Hours: 8 a.m. – 8.p.m

Lake Fire Email: 2024.lake@firenet.gov

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: 37,872 acres

Containment: 19%

Personnel: 3,418

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

Media Assets: Official 2024 Lake Fire Photos and Videos

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 were able to make good progress as increased humidity and cooler temperatures reduced fire activity. On the north portion of the fire perimeter, the fire continues to slowly back down to the Sisquoc River and crews are working close to the fire’s edge. A new “spike camp” is situated in this area for firefighters. Around Zaca Ridge, spot fires near Davey Brown and Ranger Peak are being contained and tied into the main fire. 

South Zone Fire Report: There was an increase in humidity overnight which brought a decrease in activity over the Lake Fire. There were some uphill runs of the fire in the early part of the evening. High temperatures are expected to rise to the mid-80s to lower 90s Sunday.

Forecast Report for Sunday: There will be a gradual transition back to a WNW flow pattern with a return to mostly clear skies as monsoonal moisture wanes. High temperatures rise into the mid-80s to near 90. General winds will be out of the WNW at 5-10 mph with gusts up to 15 mph during the afternoon hours.

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 can not 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  This will remain in effect until August 18, 2024, or until revised or rescinded. 

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. 

Evacuation Areas: The Santa Barbara County Sherrif 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 more details.

• Happy Canyon Road at the Forest Service Boundary
• Figueroa Mountain Road at 1/2 mile north of Highway 154
• Calzada Avenue and Brinkerhofff Avenue at Roblar