WALKER BASIN, Calif. -- The Piute fire burning in the mountains above Lake Isabella continues to grow.

Hundreds of people living near Walker Basin have been asked to evacuate. The U.S. Forest Service said the fire has blackened more than 8,200 acres and is just 6 percent contained. On Monday, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a state of emergency in Kern County because of the Piute fire.

More than 1,230 structures are threatened by flames but so far none have been lost. In addition, more than 600 firefighters are battling the blaze on steep and rugged terrain.

Officials are concerned because weather reports call for high winds to the area on Thursday. Officials said their resources are spread thin because of so many wildfires throughout the state.

Brown Meadow, French Meadow and Camp Nick Williams have already been evacuated.

Officials are recommending that people living in Valley View, Red Mountain Estates, Claraville, Rocky Point and Liebel Ranch leave their homes.

There's an evacuation center at the Lake Isabella Senior Center at 6409 Lake Isabella Boulevard. Another evacuation center has been opened at the Kern River Valley Senior Center and is being run Human Services and the Red Cross.

People with large animals are urged to call the Kern County Office of Emergency Services at 661-391-7118.

The Kern County Fire Department has set up a 211 call center for evacuation information and can be dialed from anywhere in Kern County.