West Fire Stats

Name: West Fire
Status/Notes: 100% Contained - 1,658 acres
Personnel: 202
Structures Threatened: 0
Structures Destroyed: 23
Outbuildings Destroyed: 41
Date Started: July 27, 2010 at 3:00 PM
Last Update: August 2, 2010 at 1:00 PM
 

West Fire Press Release (8/02/2010 @ 1:00 PM)

TEHACHAPI, CA - Monday, August 02, 2010 as of 10:30 AM the Cal Fire Incident Command Team 9 has transitioned the West Fire back to Kern County Fire. With both the Bull Fire and the West Fire active, local resources saw the need for assistance to Kern County in which Team 9 responded to help manage the West Fire incident.

The West Fire is at 100% containment. Fire crews will continue to patrol the area for hot spots in conjunction with fire line suppression repair during the next few days. Please be cautious while driving in the area as there will be emergency vehicle working along the roads.

The County of Kern is working with State and Federal agencies to assess damage caused by the West Fire. This process is required to determine what, if any, government assistance could be authorized for persons who have lost homes, incurred fire-related damage to your home, or lost business income due to the fire.

Kern County Fire would like to say “Thank You” to the community, Cal Fire Team 9, and all the assisting agencies for their efforts and assistance.

West Fire Map

View West Fire in a larger map

West Fire Photos (Flickr Photos)

If you have photos you would like to share please email them to zwells@co.kern.ca.us (please include name and locations of photo(s))

West Fire Press Release (Archive)

Press Release #17 (8/1/2010 @ 6:00 PM)

Fire Status: At this time the West Fire is at 100 % containment. Mop-up will continue along the fire perimeter in conjunction with fire line suppression repair.

Demobilization of excess resources will support new fires and initial attack. Kern County Fire and CAL FIRE wish to thank the local, state and federal agencies that assisted with fire suppression and traffic control, and to also thank the community for their support during this incident.

Additional Information:  Red Cross shelter service center is closed but is still available by phone. Feel free to contact them @ 661-324-6427. Residents who need more information can go to www.kerncountyfire.org or contact the West Fire Information Line at (661) 330-0133

Press Release #16 (7/31/2010 @ 9:00 AM)

Fire Status: Today mop-up will continue along the fire perimeter in conjunction with fire line suppression repair. Demobilization of excess resources will support new fires and initial attack.

Resources:  Total Personnell: 202
Hand Crews: 3   Engines: 5   Dozers: 2   Water Tenders: 13   Helicopters: 1   Airtankers: 0

Structures Destroyed: 23
Outbuildings Destroyed: 41
Evacuations: None
Road Closures: None at this time

Additional Information:  Red Cross shelter service center is closed but is still available by phone. Feel free to contact them @ 661-324-6427. Residents who need more information can go to www.kerncountyfire.org or contact the West Fire Information Line at (661) 330-0133. ** This will be the final fact sheet from Incident Command Team 9. Any additional information regarding the West Fire Incident contact Kern County Fire @ 661-330-0133 **

Press Release #15 (7/31/2010 @ 6:00 PM)

Fire Status: Tonight mop-up will continue along the fire perimeter in conjunction with  fire line suppression repair. Demobilization of excess resources will support new fires and initial attack. Kern County Fire and CAL FIRE wish to thank the local, state and federal agencies that assisted with fire suppression and traffic control, and to also thank the community for their support during this incident.

Resources:  Total Personnell: 834
Hand Crews: 16   Engines: 55   Dozers: 2   Water Tenders: 13   Helicopters: 2   Airtankers: 0

Structures Destroyed: 23
Outbuildings Destroyed: 41
Evacuations: None
Road Closures: None at this time (subject to change)

Additional Information: Red Cross is transitioning from a shelter center to a service center. Hours of operation is going to be from 7:00AM to 7PM.

Residents who need more information can go to www.kerncountyfire.org or contact the West Fire Information Line at (661) 822-2260

Press Release #14 (7/31/2010 @ 4:00 PM)

TEHACHAPI, CA - Kern County Arson Unit along with CAL FIRE Law Enforcement has determined that the cause of the West Fire was from equipment use. Daniel Gentle 47, and Michael Kulikoff 23, were cleaning the property at 16650 Blackburn Canyon Road. The two men who had permission to be on the property were cutting steel pipe with a mechanized saw causing sparks which ignited near by brush. The two men have been cited for a misdemeanor under PRC 4435 for causing a fire using mechanized equipment.

Press Release #13 (7/31/2010 @ 8:30 AM)

Fire Status: Last night’s weather allowed fire crews on the ground to continue to strengthen control lines on the West Incident. Conditions continue to be very fluid and may change quickly based on weather factors. Potential for spotting via wind driven brands, dust devils, and torching continues.  Today mop-up will continue along with fire line suppression repair. Demobilization of excess resources will support new fires and initial attack. Evacuation orders have been lifted for the West Ranch Area. Kern County Fire and CAL FIRE wish to thank the local, state and federal agencies that assisted with fire suppression and traffic control, and to also thank the community for their support during this incident.

Resources:  Total Personnell: 804
Hand Crews: 16   Engines: 55   Dozers: 4   Water Tenders: 20   Helicopters: 2   Airtankers: 0

Structures Destroyed: 23
Outbuildings Destroyed: 41
Evacuations: None
Road Closures: None at this time (subject to change)

Additional Information: Red Cross is transitioning from a shelter center to a service center. Hours of operation is going to be from 7:00AM to 7PM.

Residents who need more information can go to www.kerncountyfire.org or contact the West Fire Information Line at (661) 822-2260

Press Release #12 (7/30/2010 @ 10:00 PM)

Fire Status: Today’s weather allowed fire crews on the ground and in the air, to continue to strengthen control lines on the West Incident. Conditions continue to be very fluid and may change quickly based on weather factors. The threat to the electrical infrastructure for the City of Tehachapi and the wind generators has diminished. At noon today the evacuation order was lifted for the West Ranch Area. Kern County Fire and CAL FIRE wish to thank the local, state and federal agencies that assisted with fire suppression and traffic control, and to also thank the community for their support during this incident.

Resources:  Total Personnell: 1,051
Hand Crews: 25   Engines: 91   Dozers: 4   Water Tenders: 20   Helicopters: 3   Airtankers: 3

Structures Destroyed: 23
Evacuations: None
Road Closures: None at this time (subject to change)

Additional Information: Red Cross is transitioning from a shelter center to a service center. Hours of operation is going to be from 7:00AM to 7PM.

Residents who need more information can go to www.kerncountyfire.org or contact the West Fire Information Line at (661) 822-2260

Press Release #11 (7/30/2010 @ 6:00 PM)

TEHACHAPI, CA- During the initial stages of the West Fire initial report of structures damaged or destroyed was approximately 25 to 40. As of today the damage assessment team assigned to the West incident completed their thorough property assessment process. Unfortunately 23 primary residences were destroyed eight were damaged. In addition 41 outbuildings were destroyed and 6 were damaged.  The West Fire exhibited extreme fire conditions which in turn damaged or destroyed several structures. If you should need further assistance please refer to the contacts below.

Environmental Health: 661-862-8700
Red Cross: 661-324-6427
Fire Information Line: 661-822-2260

Press Release #10 (7/30/2010 @ 11:40 AM)

TEHACHAPI, CA - Friday, July 30, 2010, as of 12:00 PM all evacuation orders will be lifted for residents affected by the West Fire. Through coordinated efforts there will be a residential assistance group set up at Dennison Dr. and Summers Dr. providing information and assistance for residents who have been impacted. The group will consist of Kern County Fire, Kern County Office of Emergency Services, Red Cross, Salvation Army, Tehachapi Police Department, and Kern County Sheriff.

Information and assistance provided to include helping residents to their homes, guidelines for temporary power outage, disinfecting wells after an emergency, financial voucher to assist with food and fuel, and mental health services.

The County of Kern is continuing the process in cooperation with the State and Federal agencies to further assist the residents who have been impacted from the West Fire.

Residents driving in the area should remain cautious as emergency vehicles and personnel will continue work on the fire. 

Press Release #9 (7/30/2010 @ 8:00 AM)

Fire Status:  Last night the weather was optimal for ground resources to keep working within its perimeter. Today’s weather will allow fire crews on the ground and in the air to continue to strengthen control lines on the West Incident. The concerns are erratic fire behavior, heavy grass crop and terrain.  Conditions continue to be very fluid and may change quickly based on weather factors. Occasional torching through the pinyon pine mortality areas and potential for spotting via wind driven fire brands may occur. The threat to the electrical infrastructure for the City of Tehachapi and the wind generators has diminished.

Kern County Fire and CAL FIRE wish to thank the local, state and federal agencies that assisted with fire suppression and traffic control, and to also thank the community for their support during this incident.

Resources:  Total Personnell: 1,205
Hand Crews: 33   Engines: 96   Dozers: 12   Water Tenders: 17   Helicopters: 4   Airtankers: 3

Structures Destroyed: 25*
Evacuations: Old West Ranch- approximately 150 residents. Kern County along with CAL FIRE are working on a re-entry plan for evacuees.
Road Closures: None at this time (subject to change)

Additional Information: Red Cross is transitioning from a shelter center to a service center. Hours of operation is going to be from 7:00AM to 7PM.
Residents who need more information can go to

www.kerncountyfire.org

or contact the West Fire Information Line at (661) 822-2260

*Estimate Only- Damage Inspection Team in the area evaluating property & structures

Press Release #8 (7/29/2010 @ 7:00 PM)

Fire Status:  Todays weather allowed fire crews to continue to strengthen control lines on the West Incident. The concerns are erratic fire behavior, heavy grass and terrain. This evening ground resources are working to keep the fire within its perimeter. Conditions continue to be very fluid and may change quickly based on weather factors. Occasional torching through the pinyon pine mortality areas and potential for spotting via wind driven fire brands may occur. The threat to the electrical infrastructure for the City of Tehachapi and the wind generators has diminished.

Kern County Fire and CAL FIRE wish to thank the local, state and federal agencies that assisted with fire suppression and traffic control, and to also thank the community for their support during this incident.

Resources:  Total Personnell: 1,658
Hand Crews: 33   Engines: 107   Dozers: 16   Water Tenders: 8   Helicopters: 7   Airtankers: 6

Structures Destroyed: 25*
Evacuations: Old West Ranch- approximately 150 residents
Road Closures: None at this time (subject to change)

Additional Information: Residents who need more information can go to www.kerncountyfire.org or contact the West Fire Information Line at (661) 822-2260

*Estimate Only- Damage Inspection Team in the area evaluating property & structures

Press Release #7 (7/29/2010 @ 10:00 AM)

Fire Status:  Last night’s weather allowed fire crews to continue to strengthen control lines on the West Incident. The Concerns are erratic fire behavior, heavy grass and terrain. Currently ground and air resources are working to keep the fire within its perimeter. Conditions continue to be very fluid and may change quickly based on weather factors.
CAL FIRE wishes to thank the local, state and federal agencies that assisted with fire suppression and traffic control, and to also thank the community for their support during this incident.

Resources:  Total Personnell: 1,045
Hand Crews: 33   Engines: 107   Dozers: 16   Water Tenders: 8   Helicopters: 7   Airtankers: 6

Structures Destroyed: 25*
Evacuations: Old West Ranch- approximately 150 residents
Road Closures: None at this time (subject to change)

Cooperating Agencies: Kern County, CAL FIRE, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, California Department of Corrections  LA County Fire , CALEMA, Bakersfield Fire Department, Ventura County Fire, Kern County Sheriff’s Department, Tehachapi Police Department, California Highway Patrol, Red Cross

Additional Information: Residents who need more information can go to www.kerncountyfire.org or contact the West Fire Information Line at (661) 822-2260

*Estimate Only- Damage Inspection Team in the area evaluating property & structures

Press Release #6 (7/29/2010 @ 10:00 AM)

TEHACHAPI, CA –  July 29th 2010 at 9:00 A.M., Road closure on Tehachapi Willow Spring Road have been lifted. Fire crews continue suppression efforts through out the day. The terrain and wind conditions along with a heavy grass crop to continue to be a problem.

The Old West Ranch area evacuation is still in effect.

Press Release #5 (7/28/2010 @ 5:30 PM)

TEHACHAPI, CA – July 28, 2010, at 5:00 P.M fire activity on the eastern flank has increased. There are three hard road closures on the Tehachapi Willow Springs Road. We are in hopes that they will re-open sometime this evening. We will update any new road closures or opening.

Press Release #4 (7/28/2010 @ 11:30 AM)

TEHACHAPI, CA – The West Fire is now 25% contained. Update on acreage is 1400. A Cal Fire Type 1 Management Team will be transitioning over at 12:00P.M. The California Governor is scheduled to arrive at the Command Post at 1:00P.M.  This is located at Tehachapi High School at 801 Dennison Rd.  There are approximately 800 personnel assigned to the incident made up of Kern County Fire, Los Angeles County Fire, Bureau of Land Management, US Forest Service, and Cal Fire.  Assisting agencies are Kern Co. Sherriff, California Highway Patrol, Tehachapi Police Dept., Red Cross, and various county services.

Press Release #3 (7/28/2010 @ 1:30 AM)

TEHACHAPI, CA – Update on acreage is 1230. There are approximately 250 personnel assigned to the incident made up of Kern County Fire, Los Angeles County Fire, Bureau of Land Management, US Forest Service, and Cal Fire.  

Assisting agencies are Kern Co. Sherriff, California Highway Patrol, Tehachapi Police Dept., Red Cross, and various county services.

Press Release #2 (7/27/2010 @ 11:30 PM)

TEHACHAPI, CA – Tuesday, July 27, 2010, at 2:57 PM Kern County Fire Department received a call for a vegetation fire near the Old West Ranch community, southeast of Tehachapi.

As of 10:30 PM, July 27th the fire is estimated at 500 acres threatening 150 structures with approximately 30 to 40 destroyed by the fire. The fire is at 0 percent containment. Fire crews battled the fire with air resources, hand crews, fire engines, and dozers. Crews will be working throughout the night protecting the homes and continuing to work on containment. A type 1 Cal Fire management team is expected to take over the incident in the morning.

Evacuations for the Old West Ranch community are still in place. An evacuation center was set up at the old Jacobsen Jr. High School 126 S. Snyder Dr. Tehachapi for evacuees and their pets. Large animals can be accommodated by calling animal control at 661-332-7218.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today proclaimed a state of emergency in Kern County as a result of the Bull Fire in the Sequoia National Forest and the West Fire in Tehachapi which combined have burned over 15,000 acres, destroyed homes and caused the evacuation of more than 2,300 people in the area.

Original Press Release (7/27/2010 @ 5:15 PM)

TEHACHAPI, CA – Tuesday, July 27, 2010, at 2:57 PM Kern County Fire Department received a call for a vegetation fire near the Old West Ranch community, southeast of Tehachapi.

The fire is currently threatening 150 structures with approximately 20 destroyed by the fire. At this time we are recommending all residents to evacuate the area. A shelter for residents is currently being set up at Old Jacobs Jr. High School 126 Synder Ave. in Tehachapi.

The fire is estimated to be at 400 acres. Approximately 50 firefighters are fighting the fire with more resources enroute to the incident.