WALKER BASIN, Calif. -- Local firefighters continue to struggle but have made progress battling difficult wildfire conditions in the mountains south of Lake Isabella.

The Piute fire has burned more than 14,500 acres and is now 15 percent contained.

The rugged terrain along with gusty winds expected later Thursday make for a difficult battle that has also destroyed several out buildings and one abandoned cabin.

More than 1,200 homes are threatened by the fire while people living in threatened communities near Bodfish and Walker Basin have been urged to evacuate.

Battling the fire are 1,323 personnel utilizing 84 engines, 3 helicopters and 8 dozers.

An informational meeting will be held Thursday night for people living in the area. People can attend from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Kern Valley Senior Center in Lake Isabella.

The meeting will include an update on the fire along with a question and answer session.

Representatives from the Red Cross, Kern County Fire Department, Kern County Sheriff's department, California Highway Patrol and the U.S. Forest Service will attend the meeting.