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UPDATE: Evacuation warnings lifted in Kern County, Hwy 166 Remains closed

The wildfire burning in San Luis Obispo County has burned more than 52,000 acres, forcing Highway 166 closure and disrupting holiday weekend travel plans
Madre Fire: Evacuation warnings reach Kern County as wildfire grows to 52,000 acres
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UPDATE - 7/7 2:15 p.m.: Kern County evacuation warnings (Zones: 245, 249, 259 and 281B) have been lifted, according to the U.S. Forest Service. Highway 166 remains closed for public safety.

The Forest Service credits firefighting success in the northeast portion of the Madre Fire to why the Kern County evacuation warning zones were lifted.

UPDATE - 7/4 12:32 p.m.: Per Watch Duty, the Madre Fire has grown to 70,500.8 acres. Evacuation warnings and orders are still in place, see map below.

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Original Story:

Evacuation warnings for the Madre Fire have now reached into our Kern County neighborhoods. The community of Fellows, located on the western edge of Kern County west of Highway 33, is now under an evacuation warning as the wildfire continues to spread.

Currently, the neighboring communities of Taft, Derby Acres, and McKittrick remain outside the evacuation warning area, but residents should stay alert for updates.

Four specific zones are impacted by the evacuation warning: KRN-245, KRN-249, KRN-259, and KRN-281-B.

The fire, which is burning in San Luis Obispo County, is sending smoke and haze into our westside communities, affecting air quality for local residents.

Cal Fire reports the Madre Fire has burned more than 52,000 acres and is just 10% contained at this time. The wildfire has forced several road closures, including Highway 166, disrupting travel plans for many in our neighborhood during the holiday weekend.

This story was reported by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.


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