WALKER BASIN, Calif. -- A wildfire in the mountains southeast of Lake Isabella burning out of control since Saturday may be slowing down, which is helpful to know for the residents who didn’t evacuate.

More than 14,500 acres have burned in the Piute fire, but according to those monitoring its progress, the fire is not growing as fast as it was a few days ago.

Some of the residents told to evacuate at the beginning of the week decided to stay and defend their property. They included the Liebel family who owns the 100-year-old Liebel Ranch.

“When you live here you have to be prepared,” said Liebel Ranch resident Dane Liebel. “We have livestock here, cattle.”

And preparation in the name of the game for this family. Because where there is smoke there is fire.

Family member Susan Liebel said, “Smoke was billowing up, covering the whole sky ... just a brown thick ugly smoke.” She added the family had to make a stand and save their property.

The fire was moving fast and officials said their main focus was saving lives and homes. So far no homes except for one abandoned cabin have been destroyed. There have been 13 non-residential out buildings burned.

Still many people remain under evacuation notices. The Liebel family has been a help to fire crews, and are an important access point, because they know their area and are willing to help.

One official said, “They’re very helpful in telling us where the trails are.”

An informational meeting will be held for people living in the area Thursday night starting at 7 p.m. at the Kern Valley Senior Center in Lake Isabella.