California’s Lake Fire threatens Neverland Ranch, previous home of Michael Jackson

A wildfire in Santa Barbara County, California, has burned more than 20,000 acres and is 8% contained, according to Cal Fire.

It has prompted evacuation orders along the area, threatening Michael Jackson’s former Neverland Ranch. 

The fire broke out near Lake Zaca before 4 p.m. Friday and grew during the weekend. Helicopters and air tankers were sent to help combat the flames, but it has continued to grow. 

Officials predict the fire will continue moving south and southeast as increased heat, wind and dry grass aid its spread.

The cause of the fire is unknown, according to officials.

As of Monday afternoon, the fire was raging across 20,320 acres, and 1,162 personnel had bee assigned to put it out.

As the fire spreads in the direction of Figueroa Mountain Road, the 2,700-acre Neverland Ranch, which sits on the 5000 block of the street, is being threatened.

Jackson owned the property from 1988 until he died in 2009.

Evacuation orders have been issued for all areas from Figueroa Mountain Road to Chamberlin Ranch and from Zaca Lake Road, Foxen Canyon Road to the Sisquoc River, officials said. 

According to Cal Fire, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, crews were able to limit fire growth Sunday but were hindered by poor visibility because of smoke. The U.S. Forest Service with Los Padres National Forest, Cal Fire and the Santa Barbara County Fire Department are responding to the scene.

One structure has been damaged and one firefighter has been injured, officials said.

The fire is the second largest in California so far this year. It’s one of several wildfires blazing in the state as a deadly heat wave pushes the temperature into the triple digits.