Local authorities have informed the public that California's newest wildfire is on the precipice of Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch.
The flames are currently 2-3 miles away from the property and other ranches in that pocket of Santa Barbara.
As of Tuesday afternoon, the blaze is 26,176 acres in size. Forest services report that the flames started on Friday afternoon just north of Los Olivos, near Zaca Lake.
The"Lake Fire" has prompted evacuations and a massive firefighting response as crews work tirelessly to contain its spread. Local authorities have managed to contain 12 percent of its circulation, up from 8 percent yesterday.
Jackson bought the ranch, which spans 2,700 acres, in 1988 for what was rumored at the time to be a sum close to $30 million. He left the ranch after his acquittal of child sexual abuse charges in 2005, though he continued to own the property until his death in 2009.
During its prime, Neverland contained three railroads, an amusement park, and a petting zoo.
The property is presently owned by Ronald Burkle, the billionaire owner of Soho House, who purchased Neverland Ranch for $22 million in 2020 as a "land banking opportunity."
Newsweek reached out to Burkle for comment following reports of an evacuation order in the area.
Jackson's fans feared a perilous situation after thick plumes of smoke were seen in the distance surrounding the fire and forest services stationed at the property.
#LakeFire: Figueroa Mtn. Rd. pic.twitter.com/ccmjkZiX4g
— Scott Safechuck (@SBCFireInfo) July 8, 2024
Santa Barbara County Fire Department (SBCFD) Public Information Officer Scott Safechuck has provided regular updates on the fire via X, formerly Twitter, and was the first to note the fire's progression toward the world-famous ranch.
A number of evacuation orders have been put in place to keep residents safe.
The SBCFD's latest statement confirms an evacuation order has been placed on the following areas surrounding Figueroa Mountain:
- South of Tunnel House at Sisquoc River
- East of Figueroa Creek
- North of the southern end of Cachuma Mountain
- West of Los Padres National Forest areas
Evacuation warnings have been placed in these areas:
- Goat Rock
- North of the U.S. Forest Service entrance at Happy Canyon Road
- South of Cachuma Mountain
"Be ready to leave at a moment's notice if you live in an evacuation warning area described above," the SBCFD statement reads.
"Prepare family members, pets and essential items. If you feel threatened at any time, leave immediately. Do not wait for an alert to evacuate. People with disabilities, access and functional needs should leave now. People with large animals should leave now."
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
