Growing Fire in Southern California Prompts Evacuations

July 8, 2024

A wildfire that erupted in Southern California has burned more than 20,000 acres, prompting an evacuation order and threatening ranches, including Michael Jackson’s former Neverland Ranch.

The Lake Fire erupted on Friday northeast of Los Olivos, growing to become the state’s biggest ongoing fire. An evacuation order was issued for an area near the Los Padres National Forest including the 2,700-acre Neverland Ranch in Los Olivos.

The fire is 8% contained and has burned 20,320 acres. Evacuation orders and warnings were issued, and several roads were closed. One structure has been reported damages and one injured was reported.

More than 600 firefighters, 10 helicopters and nine dozers are assigned to the blaze.

The fire is one of a handful of large wildfires in the state. The Basin Fire near Fresno, which started on June 26, has burned 14,027 acres and is 60% contained. The North Fire in Modoc County started on Sunday, and has burned 4,380 acres and it is 0% contained.

Topics California

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