Amid the scorching temperatures, a series of blazes erupted Friday. One of the biggest is the Lake fire, which erupted Friday in the Los Padres National Forest north of Los Olivos in Santa Barbara County. Officials said it was burning through remote brush at a high rate of speed.
Fire crews are responding to a 4,600-acre vegetation fire near Zaca Lake northeast of Los Olivos Friday.
The incident, now officially called the Lake Fire, was first reported at 3:45 p.m. and is in the area of Zaca Lake and Santa Lucia Road detailed the Los Padres National Forest.
It started near Zaca Lake and quickly grew. An evacuation warning has been issued for areas of Figueroa Mountain Road from the Forest Station to Chamberlin Ranch, officials said.
Firefighters gained some control over one that began on the Fourth of July and was threatening the town of Mariposa outside Yosemite National Park.
According to the Santa Barbara County Fire Department, the Zaca Lake Resort has been evacuated as part of the response.
The Road to Neverland Ranch is now closed and we will keep you updated as soon as we have more information. Hoping for the fire to spare the ranch.
UPDATE: 06/07/2024
The fire’s western edge was within a mile of the former Michael Jackson Neverland Ranch, as well as several prominent wineries in the Foxen Canyon area.
Smoke from the fire can be seen at the fate of Neverland Ranch:
UPDATE: 08/07/2024
A Red Cross evacuation shelter has opened in Solvang at the Veterans Memorial, 1745 Mission Drive. As well as refuge, water, snacks, and meals are available. Evacuees are reminded to take with them medications, extra clothes, bedding, hygiene supplies, important documents, and necessities for children, infants, and other family members. The fire is just a mile away from the first Neverland Ranch building which is the train garage.
The north of the property which is currently on fire. No structures have been touched yet.
Fire fighters have entered the property to defend it against the blast. As pictures taken by a fire fighter, the gate of Neverland which was used for the Biopic is still there. Hoping this is a prop and not the original gate.
UPDATE: 09/07/2024
The Lake fire is getting closer to the first building on Neverland Ranch which is the train garage. It is unknown how much of the property has been devastated by the flames yet but it seems that most of the ground on the North of the property has been ravaged by the fire.
The fire is now coming from the North and East of the property.
UPDATE: 09/07/2024
Michael Jackson’s former home, Neverland Ranch, is safe from the Lake Fire, which has burned through more than 20,000 acres in California and was 8% contained on Monday night (July 8).
Smoke could be seen in the hills behind the property on Monday. Kenichi Haskett from the Los Angeles Fire Department told Reuters firefighters had dug trenches to protect the ranch.
UPDATE: 10/07/2024
It seems the fire is now under control near Neverland Ranch. Santa Barbara County Fire Department spokesperson Captain Scott Safechuck (what an unfortunate name) confirmed that despite the fire’s advance towards the iconic estate, initial assessments indicate minimal damage.
“While the immediate threat to Neverland Ranch has been mitigated, the Lake Fire remains active and is only 12% contained,” Safechuck cautioned, while reminding of ongoing risks posed by lingering hot spots.
UPDATE: 15/07/2024
Neverland Ranch is now safe from the Lake Fire. Thanks to all the firefighters for protecting the area and battling the blaze.
According to sattelites it looks like the fire’s minutes from a building.
https://livingatlas.arcgis.com/wildfireaware
Fire’s now 138 meters from the train station