Lucas Fire
- 100% Contained
- 4,128 Acres
- 2 Counties: Lake, Mendocino
09/10/2026 9:18 AM
09/21/2026 9:47 PM
09/21/2026 9:46 PM
Lightning
CAL FIRE Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit
No team assigned
Near the Lake County and Mendocino County line, Potter Valley
Status reports
Incident Updates
After more than a week of sustained firefighting efforts, crews have successfully reached 100 percent containment of the fire. It will now move into patrol status where crews will continue to monitor the site until there is no smoke observed coming from it for three consecutive days.
The fire is now 95% contained
Firefighters are making great progress, with the fire now 84% contained.
Fire suppression repair work continues as crews focus on restoring impacted areas.
As resources begin to demobilize from the incident, the public can expect an increase in traffic in and around the fire area. Please use caution and allow extra time when traveling through the area.
The next incident update with be at 7pm on Saturday September 19, 2026.
A fire progression map shows how the fire moved and grew over time. Each colored area represents the estimated acreage added during that specific period - not the fire’s total acreage at that time.
• 09/10 at 7:28 PM: 1,090 acres
• 09/11 at 12:36 PM: 2,157 acres
• 09/12 at 3:00 PM: 478 acres
• 09/13 at 10:50 PM: 197 acres
The current fire acreage is 4,128 acres.
Progression acreage is approximate and may not equal the official total due to updated mapping and perimeter adjustments.
Hear from Incident Commander Chris Aragon for an overview of the fire and Friday’s priorities.
This will be the final operational update video for the Lucas Fire.
The Lucas Fire is now 75% contained.
Overnight, firefighting resources continued working to strengthen containment lines and address hotspots. Crews will continue these efforts today as they work to further secure the fire perimeter.
As of 7:00 AM Friday September 18th, 2026, the North Bay Incident Management Team will transition incident operations back to the CAL FIRE Sonoma–Lake–Napa Unit.
A special thank you from the CAL FIRE Sonoma–Lake–Napa Unit to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and the North Bay Incident Management Team for your hard work, assistance, and support throughout this incident. Your dedication and partnership have been greatly appreciated.
The Lucas Fire is currently 67% contained, with resources continuing to work overnight to strengthen containment lines and extinguish hotspots.
Today, while out on the incident, one of our Konocti Hands Crews, located a dog within the fire area. Thanks to the crews quick actions, the dog was safely rescued.
A great reminder of the dedication, compassion, and hard work our crews bring to every incident. Stay safe, everyone! 🚒🔥🐾
Evacuation orders have been reduced to just areas within the perimeter of the fire. See the Evacuation section for the remaining Evacuation Orders in place.
The incident command base was hosted at Konocti Conservation Camp. Operating as a Type 3 incident with the North Bay Incident Management Team assigned to assist the Unit, this fire marked the largest-scale incident Konocti Camp has ever hosted.
The camp’s previous benchmark came in 2012 during the Wye Fire near Clearlake Oaks, when roughly 2,200 meals were served in a single day. That record was shattered during the Lucas Fire, when 3,572 meals were served at the base at the peak of the incident on Sunday.
To date, Konocti Camp has served 15,213 total meals during this incident.
Hear from Deputy Operations Section Chief Matt Selzer for an overview of the fire and Wednesday’s priorities.
VIDEO: Operations Update 9.17.26
Approximately 125,000 feet of hose was used by firefighters during this incident. That is nearly 24 miles.
That hose is now being pulled from the fire and moved to Station 60 in Middletown to be inspected, washed and rolled back up to be ready for deployment on the next fire.
There was excellent overnight relative humidity recovery at the site and fire behavior remains minimal. Remaining smoke generation should be minimal and coming from the consumption of heavy fuels and stump holes within the burn.
Thursday's priorities include tactical patrol of the perimeter, extinguishing interior hot spots and the fire suppression repair plan continues to be implemented.
Crews continued to mop-up well into the interior of the fire and have been pulling hose. Fire suppression repair work across the incident is ongoing. Crews have been removing burned and hazardous trees that pose safety risks or ones that may threaten control lines.
Containment of the fire has increased to 53 percent.
CAL FIRE Law Enforcement has concluded its investigation into the cause of the Lucas Fire, determining that the fire was ignited by lightning.
Hear from Deputy Operations Section Chief Matt Selzer for an overview of the fire and Wednesday’s priorities.
Cooler temperatures with breezy winds are expected Wednesday, but fire behavior is anticipated to be minimal, giving firefighters favorable conditions to build on the progress made over the past week.
Crews will continue moving deeper inside containment lines to locate and eliminate remaining hotspots. Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) operations overnight are helping to identify heat signatures, allowing firefighters to more efficiently target areas needing additional attention.
The damage inspection process was completed Tuesday. Of the 34 structures that required inspection:
- 31 were undamaged (19 single-family residents, 12 utility or miscellaneous structures under 120 square feet).
- 3 were destroyed (2 utility or miscellaneous structures under 120 square feet, and one classified as infrastructure/essential services at the Hunter Point Repeater Site).
The fire is now 40 percent contained and remains at 4,128 acres.
Firefighters prioritized mop-up operations on the eastern side of the fire along the Elk Mountain Road corridor, seeking out and extinguishing hot spots deep inside containment lines. The helicopters assigned to the incident are greatly aiding in the efficiency of the mop-up operations.
Firefighters remain focused on protecting the communities around the fire area, with a significant force of resources committed to the incident throughout the hot and dry conditions Tuesday. A total of 2,071 personnel remain assigned to the fire.
For an update on the emergency closure for the Mendocino National Forest, please visit MNF Facebook page.
Hear from Operations Section Chief Ryan Isham for an overview of the fire and a look at Tuesday’s priorities.
VIDEO: Operations Update 9.15.26
Firefighters have put in a significant amount of work on the fire. Items of note entering Tuesday's operational period:
- Overnight, the fire remained within established control lines and crews continued to work on strengthening those.
- Some evacuation orders have been lifted and traffic control points have been reduced. Residents and visitors should continue to follow remaining evacuation orders and local traffic-control directions. Visit the evacuation section for the latest information.
- Tuesday's conditions will be hot, dry, windy and unstable. Stronger northwest winds are expected later in the afternoon, which could increase fire activity in areas that continue to hold heat.
- Firefighters remain actively engaged in mop-up operations and fire suppression repair work. A priority for Tuesday will be for crews working along Elk Mountain Road, eliminating areas of dense fuels that continue to hold heat and mitigating the threat of any rollout hazards.
Monday marked another day of progress, with containment increasing and the fire holding within its established footprint.
- Crews continued working mop-up operations while monitoring areas with interior heat.
- Firefighters have been validating and strengthening primary control lines. Construction of contingency lines was also completed on Monday.
- We began to identify areas for fire suppression rehabilitation.
- The damage inspection process remains ongoing.
The Temporary Evacuation Point (TEP), including livestock evacuations, at the Lake County Fairgrounds closed at 3 p.m Monday, Sept. 14.
Residents impacted by the Lucas Fire who need additional assistance or support after the TEP closes should call 2-1-1 for information about available resources.
The following changes have been made to evacuation zones associated with the Lucas Fire:
REDUCED TO EVACUATION WARNING
• UPP-E030
• UPP-E027
• UPP-E025
• MNF-E016
• MNF-E019
Residents returning to these zones should remain prepared to evacuate again if conditions change.
EVACUATION STATUS CLEARED
• MNF-E012
• MNF-E013
• MNF-E015
• MNF-E017
• MNF-E021
• UPP-E028B
• UPP-E038
• UPP-E032
• UPP-E035
• UPP-E026
ZONE MODIFICATION
• UPP-E023 has been split; the north half remains ORDER, and the south half is warning.
Sunday night, cooperating agencies held a productive community meeting, providing residents an opportunity to hear directly from incident leaders, ask questions, and share concerns. Today, our Public Information Officers are continuing that outreach in the field at fire information boards in Upper Lake and at Blue Lakes, providing updates and answering questions.
All cooperating agencies on the #LucasFire continue working to help restore a sense of normalcy for the community. An important part of that effort is restoring power throughout the incident area.
On Monday, utility providers were able to safely access the area, assess critical infrastructure and re-energize the power corridor along Elk Mountain Road. It marks an important step toward restoring essential services in the community.
Join Operations Section Chief Ryan Isham as he provides an update on the effort firefighters made to keep the fire in its current location and the tactics involved in Monday’s operation.
VIDEO: Operations Update 9.14.2026
Total personnel on the incident Monday is 2,609 - up from 1,804 on Sunday. The surge of resources into the area over the weekend allowed crews to make significant progress on the fire.
Firefighters made strong progress overnight, with crews reporting good containment lines and continued cooling across much of the incident area. Crews continued to address remaining heat, particularly in areas with heavy fuels.
Monday is expected to be warm and dry, with lighter winds than the recent critical fire-weather period. Smoke may continue to linger in nearby valleys.
Monday’s priorities include validating primary control lines that are in place, completing contingency lines and mopping up hotspots deeper inside the fire perimeter, particularly on the eastern side. Fire suppression repair work is also expected to begin.
Fire activity on the incident diminished Sunday, allowing containment of the fire to increase up to 25 percent. A surge of resources into the area allowed crews to directly engage the fire while continuing to construct and reinforce containment lines. Cooler temperatures and lighter winds also provided more favorable conditions, helping crews make significant progress.
The Temporary Evacuation Point will be available from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM at:
Lake County Fairgrounds – Fritch Hall
401 Martin Street
Lakeport, CA 95453The TEP will remain available as a resource for residents impacted by the Lucas Fire. Cooling and shower services will continue to be available at the Fairgrounds during TEP hours.
The Lake County Fairgrounds will also continue to accept livestock evacuations. Livestock should enter through the livestock gate off Estep Drive. Owners are responsible for the ongoing care of their animals.
Residents should continue to monitor current evacuation information, as Evacuation Orders and Warnings remain in effect in portions of the affected area.
Current evacuation zones and road closure information are available at:
Conditions related to the Lucas Fire remain subject to change. Residents should continue monitoring fire.ca.gov/incidents for the latest incident information.
This is the largest wildfire in the Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit this year, and the 10th fire to surpass 1,000 acres in the 2020s. For perspective, 26 fires in the Unit exceeded 1,000 acres during the 2010s.
This chart provides a broader historical look at wildfire size in our unit, highlighting how the frequency and scale of large fires have varied over time.
The CAL FIRE Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit encompasses the counties of Sonoma, Napa, Lake, Solano, Yolo and Colusa.
The Lucas Fire is located in the burn scar of the 2018 Ranch Fire, which started northeast of Ukiah and ultimately burned 410,203 total acres (243,181 of which came in Lake County). Other fire history that closely resembles the Lucas Fire includes the 1947 fire that burned 913.55 acres (first picture, 1947 is also the incident’s name) and the 1928 Kibby Peak Fire (second picture) that burned 2,955.24 acres.
To date, nearly 7.5 miles (39,500+ feet) of dozer line has been constructed around the fire. With 78 dozers assigned to the incident Sunday, that number will continue to grow as suppression efforts progress. Crews are using dozers to construct both direct and contigency control lines while also helping firefighters overcome limitations to ground access.
Updates have been made to the evacuation orders and warnings in place. Please see evacuation section for full listing of current orders and warnings.
The road closures previously located at Highway 20/Saratoga Springs Rd. and Highway 20/Witter Springs Rd. have been lifted.
Join Operation Section Chief Ryan Isham as he provides an update on suppression efforts, highlights the work of our aviation assets and some technology being used on the incident.
VIDEO: Operations Update 9.13.26
Sunday there are 1,804 total personnel assigned to the incident, which is up from 1,291 personnel Saturday. See the ‘resources assigned’ section for full listing of equipment assigned.
The Lucas Fire is currently 4,008 acres and 20% contained.
Fire crews made good progress overnight and were able to strengthen containment lines in several areas.
Crews continued working to extinguish hot spots and make sure the fire stays within established containment lines.
Today’s focus:
• Strengthen and secure the fire’s containment lines
• Continue putting out hot spots and areas of remaining heat.
• Closely monitor areas near homes and other structures.
• Address any areas where the fire could potentially spread.
• Continue monitoring for spot fires and changing fire conditions.
The Red Flag Warning ended at 2:00 a.m. this morning in Lake County. Crews are taking advantage of today’s improved conditions.
Please continue to follow FIRE.CA.GOV and any evacuation or road closure information
Stay safe and stay informed.
CAL FIRE Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office will host a community meeting regarding the Lucas Fire on Sunday, September 13, 2026, at 6:00 PM. The meeting will provide residents with the latest information on fire activity, suppression efforts, evacuation considerations, and available resources.
The Lucas Incident, burning near Bachelor Valley in Lake County, is 4,008 acres and 15% contained.
A Red Flag Warning remains in effect over the fire area, with high winds and dry conditions contributing to increased fire activity. Steep, rugged terrain, limited access, and areas of dead timber from previous fires continue to challenge firefighting efforts.
Firefighters will continue working through the night, with night-flying helicopters supporting suppression operations.
Evacuation Warnings remain in effect for portions of eastern Mendocino County and northern Upper Lake. Residents in affected areas should remain alert and be prepared to leave if conditions change.
CAL FIRE and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office remain in Unified Command.
The Lucas Fire is now 4,008 acres.
The fire has moved toward the southeast. Ground resources and firefighting aircraft are actively engaged.
The Lucas Incident, burning near Bachelor Valley, is currently 3,846 acres and 15% contained.
Northwest winds have increased fire activity on the eastern side of the incident. The fire remains within established control objectives, and firefighters continue working to strengthen containment lines.
Additional resources are available and prepared to respond if fire conditions increase.
A Red Flag Warning remains in effect through Monday afternoon due to strong winds and elevated fire weather conditions.
The Lucas Fire is now 3,846 acres.
Day‑shift personnel are actively constructing direct control lines and strengthening existing ones under Red Flag Warning conditions. Multiple firefighting aircraft are overhead, delivering retardant, water, and real‑time intelligence to command staff.
Join Operation Section Chief Ryan Isham while he explains what’s happening on the fire today.
VIDEO: Operations Update 9.12.26
The Lake County Sheriff's Office is in unified command with the CAL FIRE Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit.
The Lucas Fire is 3,466 acres and is 15% contained.
Today, resources are focusing on strengthening containment lines in anticipation of the forecasted weather. Ground resources are engaged in fire suppression efforts to construct direct control lines where favorable.
The Lucas Fire is currently 3,476 acres and 10% contained.
Firefighters faced high temperatures and strong winds on the fire line today, working in challenging conditions to protect communities and slow the fire’s spread.
Resources will continue working overnight to gain additional containment and strengthen suppression efforts.
🚁 Five night-time helicopters will be flying over the fire this evening to support suppression operations.
For livestock evacuees please enter the Lake County Fairgrounds through the livestock gate off Estep Drive. Owners who evacuated animals to the Lake County Fairgrounds are responsible for their animals' ongoing care. Animal owners are responsible for the ongoing care of their animals.
Evacuees should bring necessary medications, medical equipment, and other essential items for themselves and their pets. A shower trailer provided by the Sonoma County Department of Emergency Management is available onsite.
The Traffic Control Point (TCP) previously located at Elk Mountain Road and White Rock Canyon Road has been moved to Elk Mountain Road and Pitney Lane.
Evacuation zone information and current road closure locations are available at:
https://protect.genasys.com
Residents should continue to monitor official sources for updates as conditions may change.
The Temporary Evacuation Point at the Lake County Fairgrounds is transitioning to an official evacuation shelter staffed by the American Red Cross Northern California Chapter.
The shelter will open at 6:00 PM tonight, September 11, at:
Lake County Fairgrounds – Fritch Hall
401 Martin Street, Lakeport, CA 95453
Residents may enter the Fairgrounds through the C Street gate or the main gate off Martin Street. Parking is available behind Fritch Hall. Please keep vehicles clear of roadways within the Fairgrounds to allow emergency and support vehicles to move through the property.
Small animals are welcome at the Fairgrounds but will be housed in a separate area near Fritch Hall. Owners are responsible for the care of their animals. Residents should bring necessary medications and medical equipment for themselves and their pets.
Evacuation updated to warning: Mendocino County - MEN-2POT08-B
Forest Service officials have issued an emergency closure for a portion of the Upper Lake Ranger District on Mendocino National Forest in northern Lake County due to a wildfire.
See the forest alert for more info.
Smoke from the Lucas Fire may be visible and could impact air quality in Lake County and surrounding communities. Smoke conditions can change throughout the day depending on fire activity, wind, and weather conditions.
📍 Check current air quality and wildfire smoke conditions on AirNow:
https://www.airnow.gov/wildfires/
A Red Flag Warning is in effect for Lake County from Saturday through Monday. Critical fire weather conditions can contribute to rapid fire growth and extreme fire behavior if a wildfire starts.
The following zones are now under Evacuation Warning:
- MNF-E012
- MNF-E013
- MNF-E015
Additional Temporary Closure Points (TCP) will be active at:
- Hwy 20 & Bachelor Valley Rd
- Hwy 20 & Witter Springs Rd
- Hwy 20 & Saratoga Springs Rd
Join Operation Section Chief Ryan Isham while he explains what’s happening on the fire today.
VIDEO: Operations Update 9.11.26
Today temperatures and winds are expected to increase along with lowering humidity. Additional resources will be arriving to assist with this incident. All evacuations remain in place.
Currently the fire is reported at 1099 acres and 5% contained.
Fire activity has decreased across the incident, with the fire continuing to burn at low intensity as it moves downslope.
Two night-flying helicopters are supporting firefighting efforts on the southern portion of the fire near the heel. In this area, the fire has moved into grass fuels and continues to slowly back downslope. Helicopter operations are expected to continue into the early morning hours.
The Lucas Fire remains active overnight as dry, unfavorable conditions persist. Firefighters are engaged in structure defense in Bachelor Valley, supported by night-flying helicopters.
The Lucas Fire is now 5% contained. The fire has been mapped at 1,099.4 acres by FIRIS OES Intel 24.
The Lucas Fire is burning in a remote location with difficult access. Fire activity has increased significantly over the past hour, as shown in this time-lapse video.
PG&E has shut off power along Elk Mountain Road from White Rock Road to Middle Creek.
Structures are threatened at the head of the fire. Units are moving into place for structure defense.
Additional evacuations have been issued, and night-flying helicopters have been ordered.
The Lucas Fire is 400 acres. CAL FIRE is in contact with the Mendocino National Forest as the Lucas Fire approaches forest lands.
Evacuation orders and warnings issued for the Lucas Fire.
Fire is now 40 acres burning in steep terrain. Additional air resources have been requested.
Fire personnel are responding to a fire in the Potter Valley area. The fire is approximately 10 acres burning in a remote area in grass and oak.
Resources Assigned
-
209Personnel
-
13Engines
-
11Dozers
-
12Water Tenders
-
4Crews
-
5Other Assigned
Numerous firefighting air tankers from throughout the State are flying fire suppression missions as conditions allow.
Damage Assessment
Confirmed Damage to Property, Injuries, and Fatalities.
-
3Structures DestroyedResidential, Commercial and Other
Contact Information
Media Line
(707) 967-4207
Social Media
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