The Erskine Fire, started near Lake Isabella June 23rd and burned more than 46,000 acres and destroyed 257 homes. Over 1,500 firefighters are on scene trying to stop the spread of the Erskine Fire that is now 60 percent contained.
To protect visitors and travelers to the Sequoia National Forest’s Kern River Ranger District, Forest Supervisor Kevin Elliott has closed the Piute Mountains which includes a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail located within the district until the fire is out. The Erskine Fire Closure Order, exhibit and map are available at www.fs.usda.gov/goto/Sequoia/ErskineFire
Crews and resources continue their efforts to bring the two ends of the containment line together, from the Pack Trail on the north end and Landers Meadow on the south. In areas where containment is complete, crews are repairing damage from fire suppression activity to prevent additional resource damage.
Campgrounds along California 178 – Auxiliary, Old Isabella, South Fork and Paradise Cove – are open in anticipation of the upcoming holiday. While the facilities are open, the public should be aware that potable water is NOT available at South Fork Recreation Site. The water at Auxiliary and Old Isabella is operational.
Smoke will be visible over the next several days as unburned pockets of grass and trees within the fire’s perimeter continue to burn. Information on how to limit your exposure to smoke is on the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District’s website http://valleyair.org/wildfires.htm
If you are planning to visit the Kern River Ranger District, please call 760-376-3781, extension 5, for the most current information.
