UPDATE (Tuesday, 6:48 p.m.) - Containment of the Lake Fire has grown to 42% while acreage burned remains at 38,653 acres, according to CAL FIRE.
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UPDATE (Tuesday 8:09 a.m.) - Some personnel are being released from the Lake Fire. As of Tuesday morning, 3267 personnel were assigned to the fire, down from more than 3,400 the day prior.
The breakdown includes 220 engines, 12 helicopters, 59 dozers, 43 water tenders, 106 crews and six others.
With the fire 38 percent contained, acreage burned grew slightly overnight with the overall fire size now reported at 38,653 acres.
The cause remains under investigation, according to CAL FIRE, which reports containment lines were increased and bolstered overnight around the fire’s perimeter.
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ORIGINAL STORY: The Lake Fire is 38 percent contained after burning 38,430 acres so far near Los Olivos.
The fire broke out July 5 in the Los Padres National Forest.
An air quality alert was lifted Monday for the Santa Ynez Valley as conditions from the fire have improved, although an air quality watch was is still in effect for all of Santa Barbara County.
"When it first started, we had a lot of ash and a lot of smoke and just, you couldn't even go outside. You couldn't even breathe. And, and then there were certain times of the day that it seemed to blow away and then come back, but, it's, the last few days have been much better,” said Gail Vize of Solvang.
More than 3,400 firefighters were still assigned to the fire as of Monday. Firefighters reported that good progress was being made due to increased humidity and lower temperatures.
The Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District reports smoke is expected to increase later in the week due to hotter temperatures, causing the fire to be more active.
Several evacuation orders and warnings were also downgraded Monday. For the full list, click here.
