A wildfire that's already destroyed more than 26,000 acres in Santa Barbara County is now threatening the former estate of pop star Michael Jackson.
Neverland Ranch is among several homes and businesses that are currently being threatened by the so-called Lake Fire – and emergency crews are making every effort to save them, says Santa Barbara County Fire Commander Anthony Stornetta.
"As we're looking at the fire, we're trying to go direct and directly on the fire line," Stornetta told KTTV. "If we can't do it because of the steep, rugged terrain, we'll go indirect. But we're also looking way ahead of the fire as well."
Stornetta is blaming powerful winds and high temperatures – which have been more than 90 degrees in the overnight hours – for firefighters' inability to beat down the flames.
The fire took off on Friday near Zaca Lake in rugged terrain that is difficult for fire crews to access. It has continued to burn in dry grass, brush and timber around the Los Padres National Forest and has grown to more than 26,176 acres.
As of Tuesday morning, the fire was only 12% contained, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Fire officials expect the fire could grow amid a record heat wave that has lowered moisture in the area and brought gusty winds.
While the fire is burning in mainly rural areas, officials are concerned the flames could move into more populated communities.
Evacuation orders are in place and roads in the area are also closed due to the threat from the fire. Residents who haven't been evacuated yet are under an evacuation warning and should be prepared to leave at a moment's notice.
While it's not yet known how the fire started, gusty winds and hot, dry weather conditions have fueled the flames and made containment efforts more difficult.
Numerous firefighting air tankers from throughout the state are flying fire suppression missions as conditions allow. More than 1,800 personnel are currently involved in the effort.
Neverland is one of about 250 properties being threatened by the fire. One structure has been damaged so far.
One firefighter injury has been reported.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.