California Wildfire Sends Retardant Into Smoke As Lucas Fire Grows To 4,128 Acres

The Lucas Fire erupted near the Lake–Mendocino county line by Potter Valley on the morning of September 10, 2026.

By September 14, the wildfire had grown to about 4,128 acres and was 30% contained. Aircraft were dropping fire retardant and water as crews worked to build line around the fire.

The fire was listed at 3,846 acres on September 12 under a Red Flag Warning. The cause remains under investigation, while lightning was recorded in the area the morning the fire started.

Evacuation orders affected parts of Lake and Mendocino counties. No fatalities have been reported.

Officials later described September 13 as a turning point as the fire’s growth slowed.