A wildfire, named the Lake Fire, broke out in Santa Barbara County, California on July 7, 2024. The fire started near Zaca Lake in the Los Padres National Forest and quickly spread to over 16,000 acres with zero percent containment as of July 8. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
The Lake Fire has forced evacuation orders for several areas including Michael Jackson's former ranch at Figueroa Mountain Road in Los Olivos. Approximately 100 residents were affected by the evacuation order, but no injuries or fatalities have been reported yet.
Firefighters from various departments such as CAL FIRE, Santa Barbara County Fire Department, and Los Padres National Forest are working to contain the fire. However, they are facing challenges due to high temperatures and low humidity levels.
The Lake Fire is one of the 21 wildfires burning in California on July 8. The heat wave that has enveloped the region for over a week has made it difficult for firefighters to gain control of the blaze. According to CAL FIRE, an excessive heat warning continues to affect the fire with high temperatures, drying vegetation, and little relief at night.
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office issued evacuation orders on July 7 for Figueroa Mountain Road from Grass Mountain trailhead to Sawmill Basin. The affected areas include Tunnel Road and Figueroa Campground. Residents in the surrounding areas were also advised to be prepared to evacuate.
The Lake Fire is threatening several ranches, including Michael Jackson's former Neverland Ranch, which was once a private entertainment complex with a zoo, train, and amusement park. The ranch was bought by Michael Jackson for about $17 million in 1988.
Firefighters are working to prevent the fire from spreading further and threatening more properties. They are also developing plans to check the fire's spread to the north and east, including rugged San Rafael Wilderness.
