Current Situation: Containment of the Lake Fire has increased to 82%. It has been burning in 100 year-old fuels consisting of Big Cone Douglas Fir, Oak, and Gray Pine. The fire is holding northeast of Interstate 5 and south of Highway 138 in steep and rugged terrain.

As the weather becomes hotter and drier, firefighters will continue to patrol the fire perimeter, mitigate any hot spots, and ensure there is no threat of escape. While great progress has been made in containing the Lake Fire, there is still much work to be completed after forward progress of the fire has been stopped. Crews will continue fire suppression repair all around the fire area. Fire suppression repair is a rehabilitation process that seeks to repair the damage caused by fire suppression efforts and help the forest environment return to its natural condition. One example of this process is the rehabilitation of dozer lines. Crews have been working with excavators to rehab dozers lines by removing berms and scattering brush, timber and native materials to camouflage the line as well as act as a sediment trap to assist with erosion control.  Firefighters are also removing unneeded suppression equipment from the fire area and have already removed approximately 50,000 feet of hose. Other equipment such as brass hose fittings, portable tanks, water pumps have been removed as well.

Forest Fire Closure/Restrictions: The Angeles National Forest has closed all National Forest System lands within the Lake Fire closure area by Order No. 05-01-20-6. On Saturday, August 1st, the Forest changed its Fire Danger Level from VERY HIGH to EXTREME. Angeles Forest Order No. 05-01-20-05 prohibits all campfires within the Angeles National Forest. No fires of any type including cooking stoves, lanterns, and similar devices which use propane, white gas, or similar fuels are allowed at this time. Please see Inciweb for a copy of the forest order here: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/6953/53705/

Weather: Conditions continue to become hotter and drier. Temperatures today are forecasted to be 85-95 degrees with humidity in the 14-20% range. Winds will be out of the south and southwest 5-10 mph for the morning, with an increase to 12-18 mph after 11:00 AM. Expect gusts up to 30 mph.

For tonight, skies will be mostly clear with temperatures in the range of 53-59 degrees. Humidity is expected in the range of 43-49%, with west northwest winds 5-10 mph and gusts as high as 15 mph.

Castaic Lake State Recreation Area:

      ·        Campground Re-Opened on Friday, August 28, 2020

·        Main Ramp and Lagoon Launch Ramp will Re-Open tomorrow, August 30, 2020

​Areas to Remain Closed:

​      ·        Swim Beach

·        West Ramp

The Castaic Lake Recreation Area and surrounding area continue being used in support of fire operations. Heavy equipment and emergency vehicles are still active along Lake Hughes Road.

Angeles National Forest: For information on the Angeles National Forest visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/angeles 

Current Situation: Containment of the Lake Fire is continuing to hold at 70%. It has been burning in 100 year-old fuels consisting of Big Cone Douglas Fir, Oak, and Gray Pine. The fire is holding northeast of Interstate 5 and south of Highway 138 in steep and rugged terrain.

Crews completed the final section of handline in the northwest corner of the fire, with patrols looking for heat near the fire perimeter. Firefighters will continue monitoring these recently completed lines to ensure that they will hold and there is not a threat of escape. While great progress has been made in containing the Lake Fire, there is still much work to be completed after forward progress of the fire has been stopped. Approximately 139 miles of dozer line has been cut in efforts to contain the fire, and suppression repair has begun to help mitigate those effects and other suppression activities. Suppression repair includes road grading and erosion control measures, such as water bars, to reduce the impact and potential for mudslides and erosion. Additionally, unneeded suppression equipment such as hoses and portable water tanks are being removed from the fire area.

Forest Fire Closure/Restrictions: The Angeles National Forest has closed all National Forest System lands within the Lake Fire closure area by Order No. 05-01-20-6. On Saturday, August 1st, the Forest changed its Fire Danger Level from VERY HIGH to EXTREME. Angeles Forest Order No. 05-01-20-05 prohibits all campfires within the Angeles National Forest. No fires of any type including cooking stoves, lanterns, and similar devices which use propane, white gas, or similar fuels are allowed at this time. Please see Inciweb for a copy of the forest order here: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/6953/53705/

Weather: The dry southwesterly flow dominating the local weather patterns continues today and it will bring gusty winds again in the afternoon. Daytime temperatures are predicted to be 88-95 degrees, with humidity around 15-30%. Daytime winds are expected 5-15 mph with gusts up to 20-25 mph in the afternoon. For tonight, skies will be mostly clear with temperatures around 70-75 degrees, with humidity in the 40-50% range. Overnight winds are forecast to be 5-10 mph with gusts up to 15 mph.

Angeles National Forest: For information on the Angeles National Forest visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/angeles 

Castaic Lake State Recreation Area would like to inform you of the following lake closure updates:

​

Friday, August 28, 2020 - Campground will Re-Open

Sunday, August 30, 2020 - Main Launch Ramp and Lagoon Launch Ramp will Re-Open

​

The following will remain closed to public access until further notice: 

​

Swim Beach 

West Ramp

Current Situation: As of 6:00 AM today, California Interagency Incident Management Team 14 assumed command of the Lake Fire incident and the fire is no longer under unified command. Containment of the Lake Fire is continuing to hold at 70%. It has been burning in 100 year-old fuels consisting of Big Cone Douglas Fir, Oak, and Gray Pine. The fire is holding northeast of Interstate 5 and south of Highway 138 in steep and rugged terrain.

While much progress has been made in containing the Lake Fire, there is still much work to be completed. Approximately 139 miles of dozer line has been cut in efforts to contain the fire, and suppression repair has begun to help mitigate the effects of that and other suppression activities. Suppression repair includes erosion control measures, such as water bars, to reduce the impact and potential for mudslides and erosion. Additionally, unneeded suppression equipment such as hoses and portable water tanks are being removed from the fire area.

Crews have been patrolling and mopping up (looking for hotspots within containment lines) in the northern area of the fire. Small amounts of smoke from pockets of vegetation that continue to burn in the fire’s interior continue to be visible, especially from Pine Mountain Road.

Forest Fire Closure/Restrictions: The Angeles National Forest has closed all National Forest System lands within the Lake Fire closure area by Order No. 05-01-20-6. On Saturday, August 1st, the Forest changed its Fire Danger Level from VERY HIGH to EXTREME. Angeles Forest Order No. 05-01-20-05 prohibits all campfires within the Angeles National Forest. No fires of any type including cooking stoves, lanterns, and similar devices which use propane, white gas, or similar fuels are allowed at this time. Please see Inciweb for a copy of the forest order here: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/6953/53705/

Weather: The warming and drying trend in local weather patterns is expected to continue through today. Plan for gusty winds in the afternoon. Daytime temperatures are predicted to be 88-97 degrees, with humidity around 15-30%. Daytime winds are expected 5-10 mph with gusts up to 15-20 mph in the afternoon. For tonight, temperatures will remain mild with moderate humidity recovery. Temperatures are expected around 70-75 degrees, with humidity from 50-60%. Overnight winds are forecast to be 5-10 mph with gusts up to 15 mph.

Weather Advisory: A heat advisory is in effect from 11:00 AM this morning to 9:00 PM this evening for the Santa Monica Mountains, Los Angeles County Mountains, Santa Clarita Valley, San Fernando Valley and San Gabriel Valley.

Angeles National Forest: For information on the Angeles National Forest visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/angeles 

Current Situation: Containment of the Lake Fire held at 70% overnight. It has been burning in 100-year-old fuels consisting of Big Cone Douglas Fir, Oak, and Gray Pine. The fire is holding northeast of Interstate 5 and south of Highway 138 in steep and rugged terrain.

Crews have been patrolling and mopping up (looking for hotspots within containment lines) in the area of Redrock Mountain. Suppression equipment such as mobile retardant bases, hoses, and portable water tanks are being removed from the fire area. All secondary contingency line has been completed, and suppression repair is underway. Suppression repair activities include pulling brush back over handline and adding water bars to prevent erosion on dozer lines. Small amounts of smoke from pockets of vegetation that continue to burn in the fire’s interior continues to be visible, especially from Pine Mountain Road.

There have been four reportable injuries to firefighters on this incident.

Weather: The dry southwest flow that has prevailed over the last several days will shift to a westerly flow on Thursday. Winds will continue to be gusty, especially in the afternoon. Temperatures today are forecast to be 86-94 degrees, with humidity in the 20-30% range.

Roads Reopened:

Angeles National Forest: For information on the Angeles National Forest visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/angeles

Current Situation: The Lake Fire continued to be less active today with no increase in acreage. Containment is now at 70%. The Lake Fire is burning in 100-year-old fuels consisting of Big Cone Douglas Fir, Oak, and Gray Pine. The fire is holding northeast of Interstate 5 and south of Highway 138 in steep and rugged terrain.

Firefighters were able to hike into the head of Pine Canyon via a trail from Atmore Meadows. Handline has been completed in this section and is ready for tactical firing operations, should conditions allow.

Crews have been mopping up (looking for hotspots within containment lines) in the area of Liebre Mountain and down into lower Pine Canyon. All secondary contingency line has been completed, and suppression repair is underway. Suppression repair activities include pulling brush back over handline and adding water bars to prevent excess erosion on dozer lines. Small amounts of smoke from pockets of vegetation that continue to burn in the fire’s interior continues to be visible.

There have been four reportable injuries to firefighters on this incident.

Weather: Warming and drying after a brief round of tropical moisture will continue to be the theme through the week. Temperatures tonight are forecasted to be 70-75 degrees with humidity hovering around 40-50%. The west to southwest winds will persist tonight at 5-10 mph with gusts up to 15 mph.

Repopulation of Evacuees: This morning, all evacuated residents were permitted to return to their homes. Intermittent power outages and other hazards may still be present in the area. Areas repopulated today, included:

Whether working to create defensible space around your home, just mowing the lawn, or pulling your dirt bike over to the side of the road, if you live in a wildland area you need to use all equipment responsibly. Lawn mowers, weed-eaters, chain saws, grinders, welders, tractors, and trimmers can all spark a wildland fire. Do your part, the right way, to keep your community fire safe. To learn more, please visit: https://www.readyforwildfire.org/prevent-wildfire/equipment-use/

Angeles National Forest: For information on the Angeles National Forest visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/angeles

LAKE FIRE ROAD CLOSURES LIFTED

WHAT:    Roads to be Reopened on the Lake Fire

WHEN:   Tuesday, August 25, 2020 at 3:00 PM

WHERE:  Lake Hughes Road

Lake Hughes Road is opening today for public access. Please drive safely on all open roads around the Lake Fire where emergency vehicles may still be working in the area.

ROADS TO BE OPENED TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2020 AT 3:00 PM:

- LAKE HUGHES ROAD FROM RIDGE ROUTE ROAD TO DEESWOOD DRIVE

- SAN FRANCISQUITO CANYON/ DRY GULCH ROADS TO LAKE HUGHES ROAD

Upper and lower Lake Castaic along with all Lake Castaic Recreation Areas remain closed to support fire operations at the Incident Command Post.

AREAS TO REMAIN CLOSED:

- LOWER AND UPPER LAKE CASTAIC

- LAKE CASTAIC RECREATION AREAS

SAFETY: For information on returning safely to your home after a wildfire, please visit: http://bit.ly/LakeFireRepopSafety

For information on recovery after a wildfire please visit: https://lacounty.gov/recovery/

 Lake Fire Morning Update, August 25  

|     Map        |     Video     |      Photos     |   Facebook       |     Twitter     |  Smoke Outlook

Incident Info Line: (323) 205-5263 
Incident Media Line: (323) 347-4725
 

Current Situation: The Lake Fire was less active during the overnight hours with no increase in acreage, and containment holds at 65%. The Lake Fire is burning in 100-year-old fuels consisting of Big Cone Douglas Fir, Oak, and Gray Pine. The fire is holding northeast of Interstate 5 and south of Highway 138 in steep and rugged terrain.

Due to higher humidity, crews are planning a direct attack on the west flank of the fire. A direct attack strategy works well with high moisture (humidity) and light winds, and it enables firefighters to work closely at the fire’s edge to build containment line.

Firefighters were able to hike into the head of Pine Canyon via a trail from Atmore Meadows. Handline was constructed in this section of the fire, and should conditions allow, is ready for tactical firing operations.

Crews also continue to work in Burro Canyon completing containment lines. The vegetation type in that area presents some challenges to firefighters, especially the Yucca plant. When burned, the root ball releases from the soil and rolls downhill. These pineapple-sized chunks of burning material can escape containment lines and ignite unburned vegetation below firefighters working along a hillside. Additionally, you may see smoke from pockets of vegetation that continue to burn in the interior of the fire area.

There have been three reportable injuries to firefighters on this incident.

Weather: The warming and drying trend experienced yesterday is expected to continue, with a dry southwest flow prevailing over the region. Temperatures are forecasted to be 86-94 degrees, with humidity in the 20-30% range. Winds will continue from the southwest 5-15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph in the afternoon.

Repopulation of Evacuees: At 10:00 AM this morning, all residents evacuated due to the Lake Fire will return to their homes. Intermittent power outages and other hazards may still be present in the area.

Areas to be repopulated today, Tuesday August 25th, 2020:

Safety Message: There are many hazards that may exist when returning to your home after a wildfire. These hazards can include fire ash, damaged utilities, exposed and burned structures, as well as hazardous materials. To protect yourself from these hazards, it is important to utilize personal protective equipment that can include breathing protection (N-95 rated respirators), protective clothing, gloves, and boots, as well as eye/face protection. For more information on returning safely to your home after a wildfire, please visit: http://bit.ly/LakeFireRepopSafety 

Current Situation: Overnight, the Lake Fire was less active with no increase in acreage. Containment now stands at 62%. Two locations that had fire activity overnight were Red Rock Mountain and Cow Spring Canyon. The Lake Fire is burning in 100-year-old fuels consisting of Big Cone Douglas Fir, Oak, and Gray Pine. The fire is holding northeast of Interstate 5 and south of Highway 138 in steep and rugged terrain.

Today’s priority for firefighters is to continue reinforcing containment lines on the southwest edge of the fire. Five crews will also be working in the area of Burrow Canyon to complete that section of containment line. On the northwest flank of the fire, crews plan to use tactical firing operations (applying fire on the ground) as weather conditions allow. On this fire, tactical firing operations are being used to help reduce vegetation (fuel) on the forest floor, by widening already constructed containment lines. However, higher humidity may impact tactical firing operations.

There are many hazards that firefighters encounter when constructing containment lines. One specific hazard on the Lake Fire is the Yucca plant. When burned, the root ball releases from the soil and rolls downhill. These pineapple-sized chunks of burning material can escape containment lines and ignite unburned vegetation below firefighters working in steep terrain. Firefighters must watch out for these hazards to ensure their safety.

There have been two minor reportable injuries to firefighters on the incident.

Weather: With the tropical moisture from remnants of Hurricane Genevieve having passed. Today, we will see a slow warming trend with daytime temperatures forecasted in the upper 80s and low 90s. Relative humidity will be 20-30% and winds will be out of the southwest at 5-15 mph with gusts up to 20 mph.

Repopulation of Evacuees: At 10:00 AM today, Monday, August 24th, the previously evacuated residents of Kings Canyon Road east to Shafer Road will be returned to their homes. Residents can only access the area via Elizabeth Lake Road from the east or Lancaster road from the north. There is no access from the west. Intermittent power outages and other hazards may still be present in the area. For safety information on returning home after a wildfire visit: http://bit.ly/ReturningHomeAfterAFire

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https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0208-phone-scams