A massive wildfire, known as the Lake Fire, has been raging through the mountains of Southern California, threatening the iconic Neverland Ranch once owned by the late pop star Michael Jackson.
The fire, which started on Wednesday afternoon, has already burned through more than 10,000 acres of land in the Angeles National Forest, located about 65 kilometres north of Los Angeles. As of Friday morning, the blaze was only 12 per cent contained, according to the U.S. Forest Service.
The flames have been fueled by dry brush and steep terrain, making it difficult for firefighters to contain the fire. The area has also been experiencing high temperatures and low humidity, creating ideal conditions for the fire to spread rapidly.
The Lake Fire has forced the evacuation of several nearby communities, including the small town of Lake Hughes, which has a population of about 500 people. So far, no injuries have been reported, but at least 21 structures have been destroyed, including five homes.
One of the structures destroyed by the fire is the famous Neverland Ranch, which was once owned by the late pop star Michael Jackson. The 2,700-acre property, located in the Santa Ynez Valley, was purchased by Jackson in 1987 and was his primary residence until 2005.
The ranch, which was named after the fictional world in the classic children’s story “Peter Pan,” was known for its amusement park rides, zoo animals, and a train station. However, the property has been vacant since Jackson’s death in 2009 and has fallen into disrepair.
The current owner of the Neverland Ranch, billionaire businessman Ron Burkle, has been working with the Santa Barbara County Fire Department to protect the property from the wildfire. So far, the main residence and several other structures have been spared, but the fire is still threatening the ranch.
The cause of the Lake Fire is still under investigation, but authorities believe it may have been sparked by a lightning strike. The fire is just one of several wildfires currently burning in California, which has been experiencing a record-breaking heatwave and dry conditions.
As firefighters continue to battle the Lake Fire, officials are urging residents in the surrounding areas to remain vigilant and follow evacuation orders if necessary. The U.S. Forest Service has also issued a temporary closure of the Angeles National Forest to prevent any further fires from starting.
The Lake Fire serves as a reminder of the ongoing threat of wildfires in California, and the importance of being prepared and taking necessary precautions to protect lives and property. As the fire continues to burn, authorities are working tirelessly to contain it and prevent any further damage.
