Current Situation: The Lake Fire was active today on the west flank in the areas of Atmore Meadows and Burnt Peak Canyon. Retardant drops were made by fixed wing aircraft to help slow the spread as the fire burned in steep and inaccessible terrain. Crews are also using tactical firing operations to help establish containment lines as conditions allow. Firefighters continue to be challenged with high temperatures, critically dry fuels and drought stressed trees.

Mandatory evacuations remain in place. The fire started in the Angeles National Forest near Lake Hughes. It is moving north and west burning in 100-year-old fuels consisting of Big Cone Douglas Fir, Oak and Gray Pine. The fire remains eight miles northeast of Interstate 5 and south of Highway 138.

Containment along the west flank of the fire will continue to be threatened by spot fires and long-range spotting. Long range spotting is a behavior of fire that produces sparks or embers which are carried by the wind causing fires out ahead of the main fire.

Firefighters continue to mop up in dense vegetation on the east flank of the fire, west of Lake Hughes. The fire line has held for several days in this area.

New information is available on the Angeles National Forest and Los Angeles County Fire Department Facebook, Instagram and twitter pages.

There has been one minor reportable injury to a firefighter.

Weather: An excessive heat warning for dangerously hot conditions along with high temperatures between 98’ and 110’ degrees is in effect until 9 p.m. tomorrow for the Santa Clarita, San Fernando and San Gabriel Valleys. Very hot and critically dry conditions will remain as high pressure is anchored over the region. Overnight lows will drop into the upper 70’s tonight along with west to northwest wind gusts of 25-30 mph after midnight.

Evacuations: Lake Hughes Road west of Pine Canyon and north of Dry Gulch Road. East of Ridge Route Road. West of Lake Hughes Road and Fire Station 78. North of Pine Canyon and Lake Hughes. Road. South of SR-138.

Evacuation Point(s):  Evacuation points will be opened as needed. If you should need assistance, please call 1-800-Red-Cross (1-800-733-2767)

Road Closures: 3 Points Road from Hwy 138 to Pine Canyon, Old Ridge Route from Hwy 138 to Pine Canyon Road, Lake Hughes Road from Ridge Route Road to Pine Canyon Road, Pine Canyon Road from Ridge Route Road to Lake Hughes Road, Dry Gulch Road/San Francisquito Mtwy from San Francisquito Canyon Road to Lake Hughes Road.

Additional Closures: The Castaic Lake Recreation Area and surrounding areas are being used in support of fire operations. Both upper and lower lakes along with all recreation facilities are closed until further notice.

Fire Forest Closure/Restrictions: The Angeles National Forest has closed all National Forest System lands within the Lake Fire closure area by Order 05-01-20-6. The fire danger in the Angeles National Forest has continued to increase, and on Saturday, August 1st, the Forest changed its Fire Danger Level from VERY HIGH to EXTREME. The Angeles Forest Order No. 05-01-20-05 prohibits all campfires within the Angeles National Forest. The Angeles uses a 6 Level Fire Danger Rating System to determine fire restrictions which it adjusts throughout the year. 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.

Animal Care: Antelope Valley Fairgrounds (Large Animals Only) 2551 W Avenue H, Lancaster, CA 93536

Smoke Outlook: The South Coast Air Quality Management District has issued an air quality advisory for the Lake and Ranch 2 Fires for San Bernardino and Los Angeles Counties. If you are in area impacted by smoke, limit your exposure by remaining indoors with windows and doors closed or seeking alternate shelter and avoiding vigorous physical activity.

Cooperating Agencies:   County of Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, California Highway Patrol, County of Los Angeles Public Works, County of Los Angeles Animal Care & Control, County of Los Angeles Parks & Recreation, Red Cross, and Southern California Edison.

Safety Message: Please use caution while driving as firefighters and equipment are working overnight in the area.

About the forest: The Angeles National Forest was established by Executive Order in December 1892. It covers about 700,000 acres and is the backyard playground to the huge metropolitan area of Los Angeles. The Angeles manages the watersheds within its boundaries to provide valuable water to southern California and to protect surrounding communities from catastrophic floods.

Information on Preparing to Evacuate: LA County Fire Department Ready Set Go at: www.fire.lacounty.gov/rsg

Incident Information Line: (626) 574-5208 (323) 205-5263 Incident Media Line: (323) 347-4725 or

https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6953/

Current Situation: The Lake Fire was active overnight where the fire jumped a containment line

Mandatory evacuations remain in place. The fire that started on the Angeles National Forest near Lake

Gray Pine. The Fire remains over eight miles to the northeast of Interstate 5 and south of Highway 138.

Weather: An excessive heat warning, dangerously hot conditions along with high temperatures between

Incident Information Line: (626) 574-5208

Incident Media Line: (323) 347-4725

Evacuations: Lake Hughes Road west of Pine Canyon and north of Dry Gulch Road. east of Ridge

Evacuation Point(s): Evacuation points will be opened as needed. If you should need assistance, please

Road Closures: 3 Points Road from Hwy 138 to Pine Canyon, Old Ridge Route from Hwy 138 to Pine

Animal Care: Antelope Valley Fairgrounds (Large Animals Only) 2551 W Avenue H, Lancaster, CA

Smoke Outlook: The South Coast Air Quality Management District has issued an air quality advisory

for the Lake and Ranch 2 Fires for San Bernardino and Los Angeles Counties. If you are in area

Fire Forest Closure/ Restrictions: The Angeles National Forest has closed all National Forest System

Cooperating Agencies: County of Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, California Highway Patrol,

Safety Message: Beat the heat! Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When

About the forest: The Angeles National Forest was established by Executive Order in December 1892.

Information on Preparing to Evacuate: LA County Fire Department Ready Set Go at:

Incident Information Line: (626) 574-5208 (323) 205-5263 Incident Media Line: (323) 347-4725 or

Current Situation: The Lake Fire increased over 1,000 acres during today’s operational period.

The fire that started on the Angeles National Forest near Lake Hughes is moving northwest and is

burning in 100-year-old fuels consisting of Big Cone Douglas Fir, Oak and Gray Pine. Mandatory

Weather: An excessive heat warning, dangerously hot conditions along with high temperatures between

Incident Information Line: (626) 574-5208

Incident Media Line: (323) 347-4725

Evacuations: Lake Hughes Road west of Pine Canyon and north of Dry Gulch Road. east of Ridge

Evacuation Point(s): Evacuation points will be opened as needed. If you should need assistance, please

Road Closures: 3 Points Road from Hwy 138 to Pine Canyon Road, Old Ridge Route from Hwy 138 to

Animal Care: Antelope Valley Fairgrounds (Large Animals Only) 2551 W Avenue H, Lancaster, CA

Smoke Outlook: The South Coast Air Quality Management District has issued an air quality advisory

for the Lake and Ranch 2 Fires for San Bernardino and Los Angeles Counties. In any area impacted by

Fire Restrictions: The fire danger in the Angeles National Forest has continued to increase, and on

Cooperating Agencies: County of Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, California Highway Patrol,

Safety Message: Beat the heat! Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When

About the forest: The Angeles National Forest was established by Executive Order in December 1892.

Information on Preparing to Evacuate: LA County Fire Department Ready Set Go at:

Current Situation: The Lake Fire is currently 21,115 acres with 38% containment and 4,570 structures remain threatened. Mandatory evacuations are in place. The fire is burning on the Angeles National Forest near Lake Hughes and moving northwest towards 100-year-old fuels consisting of Big Cone Douglas Fir, Oak and Gray Pine. The Lake Fire remains eight miles to the northeast of Interstate 5 and south of Highway 138. Firefighters are facing steep and rugged terrain, high temperatures, critically dry fuels and drought stressed trees.

The Lake Fire started on August 12, 2020 and has burned for 7 days and the cause of the fire is undetermined.

The right flank of the fire, just west of Lake Hughes has held for several days. Some of the areas in denser vegetation require extensive mop up.

The left flank in the area of Sawmill Mountain, Burnt Peak and Little Burnt Peak is presenting the most challenging fire behavior.  Containment along Pine Mountain Road will continue to be threatened by spot fires. Crews will watch for fire whirls, or fire devils, a spinning vortex column of ascending hot air and gases rising from a fire.

A virtual public meeting was live streamed yesterday evening on the Angeles National Forest and Los Angeles County Fire Department Facebook and Instagram pages. The replay of the live stream can be seen on those channels where the public had the opportunity to ask questions about the fire.

Current Situation: The Lake Fire is currently 19,026 acres with 38% containment and 4,570 structures remain threatened. Mandatory evacuations are in place. The fire is burning on the Angeles National Forest near Lake Hughes and moving northwest towards 100-year-old fuels consisting of Big Cone Douglas Fir, Oak and Gray pine. The Lake Fire remains over eight miles to the northeast of Interstate 5 and south of Highway 138. Firefighters are facing steep and rugged terrain, high temperatures, critically dry fuels and drought stressed trees.

The Lake Fire started of unknown cause on August 12, 2020 and has burned for 6 days. There has been one reportable injury to date.

The right flank of the fire, just west of Lake Hughes has held for several days. Some of the areas in denser vegetation require extensive mop up.

The left flank in the area of Sawmill Mountain, Burnt Peak and Little Burnt Peak is presenting the most challenging fire behavior.  Containment along Pine Mountain Road will continue to be threatened by spot fires. Crews will watch for fire whirls, or fire devils, a spinning vortex column of ascending hot air and gases rising from a fire.

Tonight’s virtual public meeting was live streamed on the Angeles National Forest and Los Angeles County Fire Department Facebook and Instagram pages. Participants had the opportunity to ask questions through Facebook about the fire.

The unified incident command post is located in the Castaic Lake State Recreation Area. The lake and surrounding areas are being used in support of fire operations. Both upper and lower lakes are currently closed to public access and the recreational facilities will remain closed until further notice.

Weather: An excessive heat warning, dangerously hot conditions along with high temperatures between 98’ and 110’ degrees is in effect until 9 p.m. Thursday for the Santa Clarita, San Fernando and San Gabriel Valleys.

Evacuations: Lake Hughes Road West of Pine Canyon and North of Dry Gulch Road. East of Ridge Route Road West of Lake Hughes Road and Fire Station 78 North of Pine Canyon and Lake Hughes Road South of SR-138.

Evacuation Point(s): Highland High School - 39055 25th Street West Palmdale, CA 93551 was closed at noon today, but will reopen if necessary. Those in need can call 1-800-Red-Cross (1-800-733-27677)

Clients and small animals can relocate to the evacuation point where individual needs will be assessed by Red Cross Personnel. Clients must remain in vehicles and abide by Los Angeles County Health Orders.

Road Closures: 3 Points Road from Hwy 138 to Pine Canyon Old Ridge Route from Hwy 138 to Pine Canyon Pine Canyon Road from Ridge Route Road to Lake Hughes Road.

Animal Care: Antelope Valley Fairgrounds (Large Animals Only) – 2551 W Avenue H, Lancaster, CA 93536

Smoke Outlook: The South Coast Air Quality Management District has issued an air quality advisory for the Lake and Ranch 2 Fires for San Bernardino and Los Angeles Counties. Light northeast winds will impact areas west of the fire this morning with air quality in the Moderate range. As winds shift southwest this afternoon, smoke will be pushed north impacting Lebec and the Antelope Valley. These areas can expect Moderate air quality levels throughout the day. In any area impacted by smoke: If you smell smoke or see ash due to a wildfire, limit your exposure by remaining indoors with windows and doors closed or seeking alternate shelter, and avoiding vigorous physical activity.

Fire Restrictions: The fire danger in the Angeles National Forest has continued to increase, and on Saturday, August 1st, the Forest changed its Fire Danger Level from VERY HIGH to EXTREME. Corresponding with this change, the Forest moved into full fire restrictions including prohibiting campfires in developed sites. You may read the Angeles Forest Order No. 05-01-20-05 which prohibits all campfires within the Angeles National Forest. The Angeles National Forest uses a 6 Level Fire Danger Rating System to determine fire restrictions which it adjusts throughout the year. 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.

Assigned Resources:

Engines: 234   Hand Crews: 28   Dozers: 42   Water Tenders: 26   Helicopter: 13   Total Personnel: 2,068

Cooperating Agencies:   County of Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, California Highway Patrol, County of Los Angeles Public Works, County of Los Angeles Animal Care & Control, County of Los Angeles Parks & Recreation, Red Cross, and Southern California Edison.

Safety Message: During the 2020 fire year, the most important thing that the public can do is to prevent human-caused fires. From following fire restrictions to talking to neighbors about defensible space around their homes, individual actions can reduce the number and impact of human caused fires. Additionally, these efforts can preserve firefighting resources, reduce the need for firefighters to move throughout the country, and minimize exposure to and transmission of Covid-19 among incident personnel and communities.

About the forest: The Angeles National Forest was established by Executive Order in December 1892. It covers about 700,000 acres and is the backyard playground to the huge metropolitan area of Los Angeles. The Angeles manages the watersheds within its boundaries to provide valuable water to southern California and to protect surrounding communities from catastrophic floods.

The land within the Forest is as diverse in appearance and terrain as it is in the opportunities it provides for enjoyment. Elevations range from 1,200 to 10,064 feet. Much of the Forest is covered with dense chaparral which changes to pine and fir-covered slopes as you reach the majestic peaks of the higher elevations.

Incident Information Line: (626) 574-5208 (323) 205-5263 Incident Media Line: (323) 347-4725 or

https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6953/

In Person Public Meeting Cancelled

Virtual Meeting Will Continue

Monday, August 17, 2020

Lake Castaic- Due to State Orders regarding COVID 19, the Unified Commanders for the Lake Fire have cancelled the in-person portion of the public meeting that was scheduled for today, Monday August 17, 2020, at the Antelope Valley Fairgrounds.

The meeting will be live streamed AT 6 PM on the Angeles National Forest Facebook @AngelesNationalForest as well as the Los Angeles County Fire Department Facebook @LACoFD and Instagram @LACountyFD.  Participants will have an opportunity to ask questions through Facebook about the Lake Fire.

If you do not have the ability to connect to Facebook or Instagram, fire personnel will be at the Antelope Valley Fairgrounds from 6:00pm-7:30pm.  People will need to stay in their vehicles and fire personnel will provide information and handouts regarding the fire situation.  

The Lake fire is burning in the Angeles National Forest near Lake Hughes as well as unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County.  The fire started on Wednesday, August 12, 2020 and has burned over 18,000 acres.  

###

Lake Fire Morning Update for August 17, 2020

Incident Start Date: Wednesday August 12, 2020 Incident

Start Time: 3:38 p.m.

Incident Type: Brush Fire

Cause: Unknown Incident

Location: Lake Hughes, Unincorporated Los Angeles County

Unified Command Agencies: United States Forest Service, Los Angeles County Fire Department

Size: 18,526 acres

Containment: 31%

Expected Full Containment: 9/2/2020

Civilian Injuries/Fatalities: 0

Firefighter Injuries: 0

Structures Threatened: 4,570

Structures Destroyed: 12

Outbuildings Destroyed: 21

Structures Damaged: 3

CURRENT SITUATION

Situation Summary:

Overnight firefighters continued to improve existing containment lines and construct new fire lines on the fire area bringing containment to 31%. Terrain is rugged, steep, and inaccessible, making it difficult for firefighters to work on the ground to extinguish hot spots. The National Weather Service has forecasted high pressure over the region with air temperatures reaching 108 degrees and relative humidity in the 10 – 19 % range, which will lead to critical fire weather. Winds will be light in the morning out of the northwest, becoming gusty out of the southwest in the afternoon. This will cause instability in the area, with the possibility of another smoke plume over the fire. We urge motorists to use caution because firefighters and fire equipment are working in the area.

Evacuations: Lake Hughes Road West of Pine Canyon and North of Dry Gulch Rd. East of Ridge Route Road West of Lake Hughes Road and Fire Station 78 North of Pine Canyon and Lake Hughes Road South of SR-138

Evacuation Point(s): Highland High School - 39055 25th Street West Palmdale, CA 93551

 *Clients and small animals can relocate to evacuation points where individual needs will be assessed by Red Cross Personnel. Clients must remain in vehicles and abide by Los Angeles County Health Orders.

Road Closures: 3 Points Road from Hwy 138 to Pine Canyon Old Ridge Route from Hwy 138 to Pine Canyon Pine Canyon Road from Ridge Route Road to Lake Hughes Road @Angeles_NF @LACoFD_PIO @AngelesNationalForest @LACoFD

Incident Start Date: Wednesday August 12, 2020 Incident

Start Time: 3:38 p.m.

Incident Type: Brush Fire

Cause: Unknown Incident

Location: Lake Hughes, Unincorporated Los Angeles County

Unified Command Agencies: United States Forest Service, Los Angeles County Fire Department

Size: 18,361 acres

Containment: 12%

Expected Full Containment: 9/2/2020

Civilian Injuries/Fatalities: 0

Firefighter Injuries: 0

Structures Threatened: 4,570

Structures Destroyed: 12

Outbuildings Destroyed: 21

Structures Damaged: 3

CURRENT SITUATION

Situation Summary:

The fire remained active during the day as temperatures were 97-103 degrees and relative humidity was 15-25%. Southwest winds developed in the afternoon with gusts up to 20mph and afternoon heating led to moderate smoke development. Overnight lows will generally be 70-80 degrees and relative recoveries will range from 35-50%. Winds will decrease and become west to northwest 3 to 6 mph. Steep, rugged, and inaccessible terrain continues to challenge firefighters and firefighter safety. Damage assessment continues to be performed on current damaged and destroyed structures, (listed above) are only those that have been inspected and confirmed.

Evacuations: Lake Hughes Road West of Pine Canyon and North of Dry Gulch Rd. East of Ridge Route Road West of Lake Hughes Road and Fire Station 78 North of Pine Canyon and Lake Hughes Road South of SR-138

Evacuation Point(s): Highland High School - 39055 25th Street West Palmdale, CA 93551

 *Clients and small animals can relocate to evacuation points where individual needs will be assessed by Red Cross Personnel. Clients must remain in vehicles and abide by Los Angeles County Health Orders.

Road Closures: Lake Hughes Road West of Pine Canyon and North of Dry Gulch Rd. East of Ridge Route Road West of Lake Hughes Road and Fire Station 78 North of Pine Canyon and Lake Hughes Road South of SR-138

@Angeles_NF @LACoFD_PIO @AngelesNationalForest @LACoFD

 Incident Information Line: (626) 574-5208 (323) 205-5263 Incident Media Line: (323) 347-4725

Animal Care: Antelope Valley Fairgrounds (Large Animals Only) – 2551 W Avenue H, Lancaster, CA 93536

ASSIGNED RESOURCES: Engines: 194 Hand Crews: 25 Dozers: 17 Water Tenders: 23 Helicopter: 10 Total Personnel: 1,890

Cooperating Agencies: County of Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, California Highway Patrol, County of Los Angeles Public Works, County of Los Angeles Animal Care & Control, County of Los Angeles Parks & Recreation, Red Cross, Southern California Edison.

@Angeles_NF @LACoFD_PIO @AngelesNationalForest @LACoFD

Lake Fire Morning Update 8.16.2020

Incident Start Date: Wednesday August 12, 2020 Incident

Start Time: 3:38 p.m.

Incident Type: Brush Fire

Cause: Unknown Incident

Location: Lake Hughes, Unincorporated Los Angeles County

Unified Command Agencies: United States Forest Service, Los Angeles County Fire Department

Size: 17,862 acres

Containment: 12%

Expected Full Containment: 9/2/2020

Civilian Injuries/Fatalities: 0

Firefighter Injuries: 0

Structures Threatened: 4,570

Structures Destroyed: 12

Outbuildings Destroyed: 21

Structures Damaged: 3

CURRENT SITUATION

Situation Summary:

The fire remained active overnight due to poor relative humidity recovery. Instability impacted the fire area late in the operational period and triggered fire spread due to gusty winds and spotting. Temperatures overnight were mid 70s to 80s and very hot and dry conditions are expected again Sunday. Temperatures today will be in the mid 90s to 100s. Winds will be light and Northwest in the morning before becoming gusty and out of the southwest in the afternoon. Instability will exist again leading to afternoon thunderstorms and the possibility of plume dominated fire behavior. Steep, rugged, and inaccessible terrain continues to challenge firefighters and firefighter safety. Damage assessment continues to be performed and current damaged and destroyed structures (listed above) are only those that have been inspected and confirmed.

Evacuations: Lake Hughes Road West of Pine Canyon and North of Dry Gulch Rd. East of Ridge Route Road West of Lake Hughes Road and Fire Station 78 North of Pine Canyon and Lake Hughes Road South of SR-138

Evacuation Point(s): Highland High School - 39055 25th Street West Palmdale, CA 93551 *Clients and small animals can relocate to evacuation points where individual needs will be assessed by Red Cross Personnel. Clients must remain in vehicles and abide by Los Angeles County Health Orders.

Road Closures: San Francisquito Cyn Rd from Stater Lane to Spunky Canyon 3 Points Road from Hwy 138 to Pine Canyon Old Ridge Route from Hwy 138 to Pine Canyon Lake Hughes Road from Ridge Route Road to Pine Canyon

@Angeles_NF @LACoFD_PIO @AngelesNationalForest @LACoFD

 Incident Information Line: (626) 574-5208 (323) 205-5263 Incident Media Line: (323) 347-4725

Animal Care: Castaic Animal Care Ctr - 31044 Charlie Canyon Rd, Castaic, CA 91384 Antelope Valley Fairgrounds (Large Animals Only) – 2551 W Avenue H, Lancaster, CA 93536

ASSIGNED RESOURCES: Engines: 192 Hand Crews: 27 Dozers: 17 Water Tenders: 23 Helicopter: 10 Total Personnel: 1,563

Cooperating Agencies: County of Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, California Highway Patrol, County of Los Angeles Public Works, County of Los Angeles Animal Care & Control, County of Los Angeles Parks & Recreation, Red Cross, Southern California Edison.

@Angeles_NF @LACoFD_PIO @AngelesNationalForest @LACoFD