The Bakersfield Fire Department (BFD) has deployed four (4) overhead resources to the "Highway Fire" as part of BFD Master Mutual Aid efforts including one (1) Medical Unit Leader, one (1) Ordering Manager, and two (2) Fireline Medics that will join the U.S. Forest Service on this firefight.
The "Highway Fire" has forced the temporary closure of Highway 178 southwest of Lake Isabella and has burned an estimated 1500 acres on the Kern River Ranger District, Sequoia National Forest. Traffic is being detoured onto Highway 218, east of Highway 178. Black Gulch Campground North was closed due to the fire. There are no evacuations in place at this time.
There are currently 729 Firefighters committed to this incident. Resources on scene include 6 air tankers, 4 air attack planes, 5 helicopters, 13 hand crews, 20 engines, 2 water tenders, and 4 dozers. The cause of the Highway Fire is under investigation.
