Single Publication

Lake Fire Incident Update July 20, 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: 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) 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.

Donations: We appreciate the outpouring of support from the community. We ask that 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  This will remain in effect until August 18, 2024, or until revised or rescinded.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 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.