Some evacuation orders lifted as firefighters continue battle on Lake fire

Officials lifted additional evacuation orders that had been issued Friday evening for the Lake fire but kept previous orders in place as the fire continued to pose a threat to some residents.

Expanded evacuation zones in the Antelope Valley region had been initially ordered shortly after 5 p.m. They encompassed the area north of Avenue D and Highway 138, south of Avenue A, west of 150th Street West and east of 200th Street West. About 9:30 p.m., the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Palmdale station announced that the orders had been lifted.

The Lake fire began near Lake Hughes on Wednesday. Within hours it had quickly scorched 10,500 acres as it raced west toward the 5 and northeast toward residents in Pine Canyon in the Antelope Valley, triggering evacuations and burning three buildings.

By Friday night, the fire had grown to more than 17,400 acres and was 12% contained. It has destroyed at least five structures, and more than 5,000 others were threatened.

The Lake fire burns in the hills of the Angeles National Forest on Friday.

(Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Evacuations had previously also been in place for Lake Hughes Road west of Pine Canyon and north of Dry Gulch Road, as well as for residents east of Ridge Route Road, west of Lake Hughes Road and Fire Station 78, north of Pine Canyon and Lake Hughes Road, and south of Highway 138.
Fighting the fire has been difficult because of rugged terrain and thick vegetation that in some areas hasn’t burned in several decades. More than 1,500personnel, 192 engines and 10 helicopters have responded to the blaze.

Times staff writer Luke Money contributed to this report.