Governor Declares State of Emergency for Kern County Fires

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Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger proclaimed a state of emergency in Kern County Tuesday as a result of two wildfires, the Bull Fire in the Sequoia National Forest and the West Fire in Tehachapi, California, freeing up state resources to battle the fires.

The West Fire began Tuesday afternoon and has already consumed 30 to 40 homes, according to KABC-TV. Yesterday, because of strong winds, the fire quickly grew to 500 acres and as 7:00 a.m. this morning, the fire has burned 1,230 acres, according to KCFD.

The fire forced the evacuation of the 'Old West Ranch' community yesterday, threatening 150 homes. The KCFD reported yesterday that approximately 20 structures were destroyed.

As of this morning, according to KABC-TV, 30 to 40 homes may have been destroyed.

Fire crews are trying to get an accurate count of how many homes have burned, according to the Los Angeles Times.

The Bull Fire broke out Monday afternoon and has already charred 15,586 acres, according to the Kern County Fire Department (KCFD). The fire destroyed eight residential structures and six out buildings and is 5% contained. Two firefighters have received minor injuries, according to the department.

The community of Fairview was evacuated Tuesday. Residents of Camp Owens and Riverkern will be allowed back to their homes starting at 8:00 a.m. today, according to KCFD.

More than 2,300 people have been evacuated because of both fires.

Approximately 250 firefighters are on the ground assisted by aerial crews. Currently crews assigned to the incident are from the KCFD, Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACoFD), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) with more resources on the way.

"Our hearts and prayers go out to all Kern County residents and their families who have suffered at the hands of these devastating wildfires," KCFD posted on their Facebook page.

Photo taken by Michael Price



Author:Barbara Brooks - Fire Department Network News