#LakeFire 50 Percent Contained, Most Evacuations Lifted

Photos courtesy of Tod Sudmeier EPN564/SB County Fire

The Lake Fire made no measurable growth Saturday and crews were able to make progress around the fire perimeter, the forest service said.

Authorities reopened Highway 38 at 8 a.m. Saturday morning and all evacuations, except for Burns Canyon, have been lifted. The land within the affected fire areas remain closed for recreation purposes, the U.S. Forest Service said. The camps will be accessible for staff only to conduct maintenance, officials said.

Crews were patrolling and moping up the containment line on the northwest fire perimeter. On the uncontained northeast and eastern areas of the fire, crews were building direct and indirect line.

Approximately 120 firefighters were working and camping in the wilderness and but were flown out of the area Saturday evening because of the likelihood of thunderstorms. They may return to the area Sunday after the threat of lightning has passed.

Monsoonal moisture over Southern California will provide a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms over the fire area Saturday after midnight, according to the Forest Service meteorologist.

Fire behavior analysts do not anticipate significant growth or activity on the fire Saturday, especially if it rains. The potential for the fire to spot outside the fire perimeter has decreased because of slightly higher relative humidity. The threat of dry lighting does exist as thunderstorms pass over the fire area.