Canyon Fire Continues to Grow

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The Canyon Fire which began Sunday west of Lake Isabella, California has grown to 6,136 acres with 10 percent containment. One structure has been destroyed and there are approximately 250 structures threatened, according to a news release from the Kern County Fire Department (KCFD).

On Monday evening, the Southern Central Sierra Interagency Incident Management Team assumed command of the fire. There are 1,095 fire personnel on scene from KCFD, the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). According to InciWeb, crews on the ground are being assisted by 13 fixed wing and 12 rotary aircraft.

So far, the cost to fight this fire has reached $2.5 million, and officials expect containment on Sunday, September 19, 2010, according to InciWeb.

The east side of the fire is very active, brush is burning and timber is experiencing group torching, according to InciWeb. Because of wind and topography, the fire is spreading rapidly and spotting. Today, line construction will continue with crews in place for structure protection. Along with fire suppression, air resources will be used to move the fire from high risk areas.

Evacuations are in effect for the area of Meyers Canyon and the community of Havilah. A shelter has been set up at the Kern River Valley Veterans/Senior Center in Lake Isabella along with a second shelter in Twin Oaks at the Community Church. Both shelters are able to accommodate small and large animals.

A community meeting will be held tonight at 7:00 p.m. at the Kern River Valley Veterans/Senior Center. All residents of the area are encouraged to attend.

Investigators have decided the fire was human-caused and it remains under investigation.



Author:Barbara Brooks - Fire Department Network News