Gov. Declares Piute Fire 'State Of Emergency'

WALKER BASIN, Calif. -- Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has declared a state of emergency in Kern County because of the Piute fire and now yet another mountain community is threatened.

Several communities in the mountains East of Bakersfield have been evacuated due to a large wildfire burning since Saturday.

The Piute Fire has grown to 3,000 acres and is 3 percent contained. So far, Brown Meadows, French Meadow and Camp Nick Williams have already been evacuated.

Evacuation Recommendations have been issued for Valley View off Saddle Springs Road, Red Mountain Estates, Rocky Point, and Liebel Ranch.

Residents of Thompson Canyon in the Walker Basin may soon be facing the same threat. Officials are warning those residents to be prepared to leave at any time.

The Kern County Fire Department has also set up a 211 information hot-line regarding the Piute fire that can be called from anywhere in Kern County.

Info: Kern County Fire Updates

Evacuees can travel to Lake Isabella to an evacuation center located at the Senior Citizens Center on 6405 Lake Isabella Blvd.

Residents with large animals are being urged to contact the Kern County Office of Emergency Services at 391-7118.