Lucas Fire Expands to 3,466 Acres, Evacuations Ordered in Lake and Mendocino Counties
The Lucas Fire, which ignited in the Mendocino National Forest on Thursday, September 10, has grown to 3,466 acres and is 10 % contained, according to Cal Fire. The blaze has prompted evacuation orders in portions of Lake and Mendocino counties and the opening of a temporary shelter at the Lake County Fairgrounds.
The fire is burning in the Bachelor Valley area of Upper Lake and the surrounding Mendocino National Forest. Cal Fire reports that the fire’s perimeter is still expanding, and smoke from the blaze may be visible and affect air quality in Lake County and neighboring communities.
Evacuation orders and warnings cover specific zones in both counties. In Lake County, the orders apply to zones MNF‑E016, MNF‑E018, MNF‑E019, UPP‑E023, UPP‑E025, UPP‑E026, UPP‑E027 and UPP‑E030. The orders also cover zone MEN‑2POT08‑B in Mendocino County. Evacuation warnings are in effect for zones MNF‑E012, MNF‑E013, MNF‑E015, MNF‑E017, MNF‑E021, UPP‑E028, UPP‑E031, UPP‑E032, UPP‑E035 and UPP‑E038 in Lake County and zones MEN‑2POT08‑A and MEN‑2UKV28 in Mendocino County.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office issued the orders and confirmed that the fire has crossed the county line into Lake County. Cal Fire’s official map shows the fire’s spread into the Bachelor Valley and the surrounding private land.
A temporary evacuation shelter opened at 6 p.m. Friday, September 11, at the Lake County Fairgrounds – Fritch Hall, located at 401 Martin Street in Lakeport. The shelter is staffed by the American Red Cross Northern California Chapter. Evacuees can enter the fairgrounds through the C Street gate or the main gate off Martin Street, and parking is available behind Fritch Hall, according to the sheriff’s office.
The Mendocino National Forest, which covers 913,306 acres across six counties, is the only national forest in California without a major paved road. The Lucas Fire’s location in the forest’s upper reaches places it in a remote area that is difficult to access, which can complicate firefighting efforts.
The fire’s growth to over 3,400 acres is typical of the current California wildfire season, which has seen several large fires across the state. Cal Fire’s containment percentage indicates that 10 % of the fire’s perimeter is under control, but the majority of the blaze remains active.
Officials have urged residents in the affected zones to leave immediately and to follow updates from Cal Fire and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. The Red Cross shelter will provide food, water, and medical assistance to evacuees.
Air quality advisories have been issued for the region. Cal Fire’s website notes that smoke from the Lucas Fire may be visible and could impact air quality in Lake County and surrounding communities. Residents are advised to monitor local air quality reports and to limit outdoor activities if conditions worsen.
The Lucas Fire is one of several incidents that have highlighted the challenges of wildfire management in California’s northern forests. The state’s fire suppression resources are stretched across multiple large fires, and the remote nature of the Mendocino National Forest can delay response times.
As of Friday, the fire remains active, and Cal Fire continues to work on containment lines. The next steps will involve additional firefighting resources, potential use of controlled burns, and coordination with federal agencies that manage the national forest.
The situation remains fluid, and residents in the evacuation zones are encouraged to stay informed through official channels and to prepare for possible relocation.
The Lucas Fire’s expansion and the resulting evacuation orders underscore the ongoing risk of wildfire in California’s northern counties, especially during the dry summer and early fall months.
