Lucas Fire Containment Grows As Evacuations Ease

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA — Firefighters increased containment of the massive Lucas Fire to 37 percent by 6 p.m. Monday while holding the blaze within its established footprint, allowing authorities to ease or lift evacuation restrictions across several zones.

Cal Fire crews continued "mop-up" operations, monitored areas with interior heat, and strengthened primary control lines.

Firefighters also completed contingency lines Monday and began identifying areas for fire-suppression rehabilitation.

Damage inspections remained underway.

Authorities reduced evacuation orders to warnings in zones UPP-E030, UPP-E027, UPP-E025, MNF-E016, and MNF-E019. Officials advised returning residents to remain prepared to evacuate again if conditions change.

Authorities cleared the evacuation status for zones MNF-E012, MNF-E013, MNF-E015, MNF-E017, MNF-E021, UPP-E028B, UPP-E038, UPP-E032, UPP-E035, and UPP-E026.

Officials also divided zone UPP-E023. UPP-E023-B remains under an evacuation order, while UPP-E023-A moved to warning status. Residents should check Genasys Protect to confirm the evacuation status of their location.

Areas that remain under evacuation orders remain closed to the public. Law enforcement officers will continue patrolling the fire area to enforce laws and protect evacuated areas.

Fire personnel, engines, and equipment will remain active in zones under evacuation warnings and areas where officials recently cleared evacuation restrictions.

Authorities advised returning residents to watch for hazards, use caution around emergency personnel working along roads and on properties, and remain prepared for changing conditions.

Traffic-control points remain at Hunter Point and Elk Mountain Road, and Bear Canyon Road, also known as Forest Road 16N08, and Elk Mountain Road.

Utility providers gained safe access Monday, assessed critical infrastructure, and re-energized the power corridor along Elk Mountain Road as cooperating agencies worked to restore essential services.

The Temporary Evacuation Point at the Lake County Fairgrounds, including services for livestock evacuations, closed at 3 p.m. Monday. Lucas Fire residents who need additional assistance should call 2-1-1 for information about available resources.

Evacuation orders and warnings remain in effect in portions of the fire area. Residents can find current evacuation zones and road closures at Genasys Protect.

Officials assigned 2,609 personnel to the fire, including 203 fire engines, 78 hand crews, 79 bulldozers, 56 water tenders, and 10 helicopters.

The CAL FIRE Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office remain in unified command.