Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch in Danger of Burning Down Due to Massive Santa Barbara Wildfire

Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch is at risk of the ongoing wildfire in Santa Barbara County, said officials.

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Prevention (CAL FIRE) confirmed the Lake Fire, one of the 21 wildfires burning in California, has been burning in the anta Barbara County near the Los Padres National Forest. It reportedly started on Friday, July 5, afternoon near Zaca Lake and was 0 percent contained as of Sunday, July 7, morning.

TMZ confirmed the wildfire had led officials to issue evacuation orders to residents amid the threats to homes, including the Neverland Ranch.

According to the Santa Barbara Independent, the evacuation orders were sent to residents near the Figueroa Mountain Road to the Forest Station to Chamberlin Ranch.

"An EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING through next week continues to affect the fire with high temperatures, drying vegetation and little relief at night. The National Weather Service has reported that a heat wave this intense, this long, has not been experienced in this region in 20 years," CAL FIRE warned in a statement.

The cause of the fire is being investigated.

The infamous theme park was revamped in April as the King of Pop's nephew, Jaafar Jackson, began filming the biopic about the "Smooth Criminal" hitmaker.

The sprawling property, which Michael named after his favorite character, Peter Pan, was acquired by Ron Burkle in December 2020. Authorities previously searched the property amid the late singer's trial over the case involving multiple counts of molesting a minor.

People will have a closer look at the property again through the upcoming biopic, which has received different reactions from the public.

Leaving Neverland director Dan Reed told Variety that he found the draft of the biopic, "startlingly disingenuous."

"Jackson is only ever seen caring for children with childhood cancer, or dancing with a little girl in a wheelchair, or tucking up multiple little boys, mostly his nephews, at sleepovers," he said. "It feels like the creators of the movie have been stuck in a room with John Branca and just told what to write."

Meanwhile, Michael producer Graham King attended the CinemaCon 2024 at the Caesars Palace stage and told the crowd (via People), "When you consider Michael Jackson's extraordinary life, his career triumphs, personal challenges, his artistry, musical legacy, his story is certainly one that's worthy of a cinematic event presentation. When you mention his name, everyone has an opinion... Generations of moviegoers will come together to experience an inside look into one of the most prolific artists that ever lived."

Tags

Michael Jackson