The scenic Neverland Ranch, once owned by pop legend Michael Jackson, is under threat from the rapidly spreading Lake Fire in Southern California.
According to ABC News, the wildfire ignited on July 5th is now spreading over 13,000 acres with zero containment near Los Padres National Forest.
Authorities issued evacuation orders for areas including the 5000 block of Figueroa Mountain Road, which encompasses the famous ranch. The blaze, one of 21 currently raging across California, started near Zaca Lake and has yet to be controlled.
CAL FIRE spokesperson said in a statement:
An EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING through next week continues to affect the fire with high temperatures, drying vegetation and little relief at night. The National Weather Service has reported that a heat wave this intense, this long, has not been experienced in this region in 20 years.
While the Lake Fire poses a significant threat near Santa Barbara, it is not the only wildfire challenging California. The Basin Fire, which started on June 26, is currently the largest active fire in the state.
Other notable fires include the Thompson Fire, the French Fire near Yosemite, which began on July 4, and the McCain Fire, which started on July 1 and is now nearly extinguished.
The cause of these fires remains under intense investigation as teams work to understand the ignition sources and prevent future outbreaks.
Evacuations impact hundreds of households as they are forced to leave their homes, fearing the unstoppable advance of the flames.
Notably, on July 6, extensive evacuations were necessitated by the Lake Fire's rapid spread, with several images showing flames dangerously close to structures like Neverland Ranch.
The environments around these communities, rich in California's iconic landscapes, also suffer irreparable damage, with thousands of acres of forest and scrubland already lost to the fires.
The firefighting community continues to face daunting challenges, with high temperatures providing little overnight relief to the parched vegetation, fueling the fires further.
In response to the ongoing crisis, CAL FIRE and other emergency services are rigorously working to contain the fires, deploying numerous firefighting units and aerial support where possible. The public is urged to comply with evacuation orders and avoid forested areas prone to wildfire outbreaks.
California remains on high alert as firefighters battle not only the flames but also the scorching heat that makes their task all the more perilous. As the Lake Fire and others burn across California, the state braces itself for potentially more devastation. Authorities and communities stand ready, hoping for containment breakthroughs while preparing for the possibility of extended wildfire activity.
