UPDATE #3: Highway 178 reopened through the canyon in both directions around 8:30 p.m. Tuesday night, according the California Highway Patrol.
The River Fire has burned 3,534 acres and is at 55% containment, according to the U.S. Forest Service - Sequoia National Forest.
UPDATE #2: Highway 178 is still closed at both sides of the Kern River canyon, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The River Fire has burned 2,535 acres and is at 15% containment.
UPDATE: Highway 178 will be closed through the night, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The fire has now burned approximately 1800 acres, according to Watch Duty.
ORIGINAL STORY: The River Fire has prompted Highway 178 through the canyon to close in both directions, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The Kern County Fire Department responded to the vegetation fire on Kern Canyon Road around 8:20 a.m.
Approximately 121 acres have burned, according to KCFD.
County fire says they have requested additional resources, including an air attack and Air Tankers. There are currently 80 KCFD firefighters on scene.
There is no estimated time of reopening for Highway 178, according to CHP.
According to KCFD there has been a 75% increase in vegetation fires compared to this time last year.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
Stay in Touch with Us Anytime, Anywhere:
