Cal Fire official reports and public statements

Firefighters Battle 38,000-Acre Lake Fire in Santa Barbara County

Jul 12, 2024, 10:03 PM

Firefighters in Southern California are battling a rapidly expanding wildfire in Santa Barbara County, known as the Lake Fire. As of July 11, the blaze has grown to over 38,000 acres and is 16% contained. The fire, which started on July 5th, had initially burned over 29,000 acres and has forced the evacuation of over 1,000 families. More than 3,034 firefighters and personnel are involved in combating the fire. The intense heat, high winds, and rugged terrain are complicating efforts to bring the fire under control. Cal Fire crews have expressed concerns about the explosive growth of the wildfire, which continues to threaten the region.