****March 21, 2023 11:30 a.m.****
DAILY OPERATIONS UPDATE
Forecasted conditions for the valley floor include rain and wind on and off throughout the day and into the evening. Up in our mountain regions, there will be scattered rain throughout the day, and the possibility of snow starting tonight and into the early morning hours of tomorrow. Kern County Fire Department will be closely monitoring potential flood areas, like Poso Creek and Kern National Wildlife Refuge area, as this wet weather moves through the county. Our fire crews, as well as law enforcement, have continued to upstaff around our communities to ensure our citizens’ safety.
There were multiple changes to the Evacuation Warnings and Evacuation Orders yesterday:
Wofford Heights Evacuation Order LIFTED
Kernville Area Evacuation Order LIFTED
Wasco/Pond Evacuation Order LIFTED
Poso Creek Evacuation Order LIFTED
Cane Peak Court Evacuation Order DOWNGRADED to Evacuation Warning in the following areas:
Cane Peak Court, including the Calgary Tract
Homestead Court
North and south of Bruton Way
East to Split Mountain Way
Anchorage Way, east to Earl Pascoe Road
All residents who have begun repopulating should be cautious of their surroundings and follow health tips provided by Kern County Public Health. When returning to areas impacted by the recent floods, be cognizant of debris and materials that could have been in or around the area. This is especially true in places often used for recreation, like rivers and lakes around the county. Taking photos and videos of any damage to personal property could be useful to insurance companies and other agencies assisting with recovery efforts. More safety information on this topic can be found at kernpublichealth.com.
Please continue to be aware of your surroundings, as access to some roads remain closed due to the rain. They are blocked with signage or barriers. Do not go around these barriers. Do not attempt to drive through standing or moving flood waters. These steps have been taken for the safety of the public.
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****March 20, 2023, 5:45 p.m.****
Wasco/Pond and Poso Creek Evacuation Orders LIFTED
This is a message from the Kern County Fire Department
Esta es una actualización de un mensaje anterior. Para español, llame al 2-1-1. Gracias.
This is an update to an earlier ReadyKern message about the Evacuation Order in Wasco/Pond and Poso Creek Areas.
All Evacuation Orders for Wasco/Pond and Poso Creek areas have been LIFTED. These areas are NO longer under an Evacuation Order.
For additional cleanup information, visit kernpublichealth.com or call 661-321-3000
If you have an emergency, call 911. If you have any questions about the content of this message, please contact Kern County Information and Referral Services at 2-1-1.
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****March 20, 2023, 5:10 p.m.****
EVACUATION ORDER FOR CAMP KERNVILLE LIFTED
This is a message from the Kern County Fire Department
Esta es una actualización de un mensaje anterior. Para español, llame al 2-1-1. Gracias.
This is an update to an earlier ReadyKern message about the Evacuation Order in Kernville, CA for Camp Kernville.
All Evacuation Orders for the Kernville Area have been LIFTED, Camp Kernville: 24 Sirretta St, Kernville Ca 93238, is NO longer under an Evacuation Order.
For additional cleanup information, visit kernpublichealth.com or call 661-321-3000
If you have an emergency, call 911. If you have any questions about the content of this message, please contact Kern County Information and Referral Services at 2-1-1.
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****March 20, 2023, 4:45 p.m.****
EVACUATION ORDER LIFTED FOR A PORTION OF WOFFORD HEIGHTS
This is a message from the Kern County Fire Department
Esta es una actualización de un mensaje anterior. Para español, llame al 2-1-1. Gracias.
This is an update to an earlier ReadyKern message about the Evacuation Order in the Wofford Heights area.
The Evacuation Order for Wofford Heights has been lifted. There are no further advisories in place at this time, except
***The Calgary Tract on Cane Peak Ct is still under an Evacuation Warning, due to Potential Landslides***
If you have an emergency, call 911. If you have any questions about the content of this message, please contact Kern County Information and Referral Services at 2-1-1.
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****March 20, 2023, 4:10 P.M.****
CALGARY TRACT EVACUATION ORDER DOWNGRADED TO WARNING
Update #1 Calgary Tract – Update Notification – Evacuation Warning Details below.
This is a message from the Kern County Fire Department
Esta es una actualización de un mensaje anterior. Para español, llame al 2-1-1. Gracias.
This is an update to an earlier ReadyKern message about the Potential Landslide in the Cane Peak Court area. Please pay close attention to this message.
The previous Evacuation Order has now downgraded to an Evacuation Warning in the Cane Peak Court area:
Residences that are North and South of Bruton Way, including homes on Cane Peak Court and Homestead Court, East to Split Mountain Way, and homes on Anchorage Way East to Earl Pascoe Road.
All residents are advised to be prepared to leave the area quickly if it becomes necessary. Those who require additional time to evacuate and those with pets and livestock should leave now.
An evacuation center is open at Kern Valley High School, 3340 Erskine Creek Rd, Lake Isabella Ca 93240. Animal Services is providing emergency sheltering for companion animals.
It is advised that you should also monitor your local media for updated information.
If you have any physical limitations and require assistance related to this notification, please call the Aging and Adult Services hotline at 1-855-264-6565 before 6:00pm. WE CANNOT GUARANTEE ASSISTANCE WILL BE OFFERED AFTER THAT TIME.
If you have an emergency, call 9-1-1. If you have any questions about the content of this message, please contact Kern County Information and Referral Services at 2-1-1.
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****March 20, 2023****
DAILY OPERATIONS UPDATE
Recovery and damage assessments have been going strong over the last few days, and will continue into today. Kern County Fire Department, along with agencies throughout the county, have been working tirelessly to get safety hazards and concerns cleaned up for our communities that have seen damage from the heavy rain and flooding last week. Kern County Fire crews were able to restore compromised sections of flood control berms along north Poso Creek. We are also working judiciously with California State Geologists and civil engineers with potential landslide areas, and implementing their suggestions as we receive them.
Our local and state resources will continue to survey the areas hit hardest by the storms to get accurate calculations on how much damage has been done, and how much more we could expect from the next weather system coming into the county. This week brings in another very high possibility of rain and snow on Tuesday evening, with snow levels potentially dropping as low as 3,000-4,000 feet in elevation.
With another forecasted storm hitting our county, we would like to remind all county residents to once again assess their personal emergency preparedness in their homes and in their vehicles, sign up for emergency notifications, and heed the warnings of all emergency personnel.
For flood recovery resources, visit Kern County Public Health at kernpublichealth.com.
For road information, visit CalTrans at dot.ca.gov or CHP at chp.ca.gov.
For updates on evacuation warnings or orders, go to kerncountyfire.org.
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****March 19, 2023****
DAILY OPERATIONS UPDATE
Rain or shine your Kern County Fire Department continues to remain active protecting local communities. Today, firefighters operating heavy equipment worked to complete needed repairs to infrastructure damaged by recent floods. Restoring compromised sections of flood control berms along Poso Creek is a high priority, due to the impact rising waters have had on the Pond community. Even after repairs are finished, the berms and nearby Pond community will continue to be monitored closely in anticipation of forecasted storms.
Sunday, the National Weather Service issued a Flood Watch for parts of Kern County. This notice should prompt county residents to once again assess their personal emergency preparedness. All who have not done so yet are encouraged to sign up for emergency notifications at www.readykern.com.
All residents who have begun repopulating should be cautious of their surroundings and follow the health tips provided by Kern County Public Health. When returning to areas impacted by the recent floods, taking pictures and videos of the damage to personal property is recommended. This form of documentation is useful to insurance companies and the various agencies assisting with recovery efforts. More safety information related to returning to your home after a flood can be found at www.kernpublichealth.com
Because of the potential health and safety risks, no persons should attempt to repopulate an area under Evacuation Order until the orders have been lifted. A map of areas under Evacuation Warning or Order can be found here.
As a reminder, access to some roads have been closed. They are blocked with signage or barriers. These steps have been taken for the safety of the public. Do not go around road closed barriers. Do not attempt to drive through standing or moving flood waters.
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****March 18, 2023****
DAILY OPERATIONS UPDATE
Kern County Fire Department operations have now shifted focus from emergency preparation into repair and recovery efforts. With portions of Wofford Heights, portions of Poso Creek, and Camp Kernville still under Evacuation Orders, our crews are working with local and state agencies to repair damaged infrastructure and complete hazard assessments to deem when it might be safe for the public to return to those Evacuation Order zones. For the latest evacuation information, click on Early March Storm Response (arcgis.com).
All residents who have begun the repopulating process should be cautious of their surroundings and follow the health tips provided by Kern County Public Health. When returning to areas impacted by the recent floods, taking pictures and videos of the damage to personal property is recommended. This form of documentation is useful to insurance companies and the various agencies assisting with recovery efforts. More safety information related to returning to your home after a flood can be found at www.kernpublichealth.com
Because of the potential health and safety risks, no persons should attempt to repopulate an area under Evacuation Order until the orders have been lifted.
As a reminder, access to some roads have been closed. They are blocked with signage or barriers. These steps have been taken for the safety of the public. Do not go around road closed barriers. Do not attempt to drive through standing or moving flood waters.
All agencies and community leaders are also looking ahead to the next round of potential rainstorms that are forecasted to hit Kern County on Tuesday. This a good time for all in our communities to get your emergency plan together, should evacuation warnings or orders be issued again.
To be notified of any changes of Evacuation Orders or any other emergency updates in your area, sign up for ReadyKern at ReadyKern.com.
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****March 17, 2023, 11:00 a.m.****
DAILY OPERATIONS UPDATE
For more than a week now the Emergency Operations Center and Incident Management Team have been activated. Today, operations are focused on completing hazard assessments and assisting agencies working to repair damaged infrastructure. Thursday, several evacuation orders were lifted. Crews are hard at work in areas still under evacuation order to address life safety hazards.
All residents who are repopulating should be cautious of their surroundings and follow the health tips provided by Kern County Public Health. When returning to areas impacted by the recent floods, taking pictures and videos of the damage to personal property is recommended. This form of documentation is useful to insurance companies and the various agencies assisting with recovery efforts.
As a reminder, access to some roads has been closed, these roads are blocked with signage or barriers. These steps have been taken for the safety of the public. Do not go around road closed barriers. Do not attempt to drive through standing or moving flood waters.
For health and safety risks, no persons should attempt to repopulate an area under Evacuation Order until the orders have been lifted.
Healthy safety information related to returning to your home after a flood can be found at www.kernpublichealth.com.
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****March 16, 2023, 7:00 p.m.****
PM OPERATIONS UPDATE
Thursday, considerable progress was made on hazard assessments throughout the areas impacted by recent storms. With many hazard assessments completed evacuation orders for most areas were lifted. This is a positive step forward and will allow many in our communities to begin their return to a more normal routine.
The work that went into lifting evacuation orders was tremendous and required many sites to be inspected by the Kern County Fire Department, Kern County Sheriff’s Office, Kern County Public Health, and the Kern County Building Department. In areas where evacuation orders remain in place work continues. The Emergency Operations Center is coordinating the efforts of various agencies to finish hazard assessments and infrastructure repair.
As a reminder, access to some roads has been closed, these roads are blocked with signage or barriers. These steps have been taken for the safety of the public. Do not go around road closed barriers. Do not attempt to drive through standing or moving flood waters.
For health and safety risks, no persons should attempt to repopulate an area under Evacuation Order until the orders have been lifted.
Healthy safety information related to returning to your home after a flood can be found at www.kernpublichealth.com.
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****March 16, 2023, 6:05 P.M.****
EVACUATION ORDER LIFTED
Kernville Area – Evacuation Order LIFTED 03-16-2023 17:57
This is a message from the Kern County Fire Department.
Esta es una actualización de un mensaje anterior. Para español, llame al 2-1-1. Gracias.
This is an update to an earlier ReadyKern message about the Kernville Area.
Please pay close attention to this portion of the message. All Evacuation Orders that have been in place for the Kernville Area have been lifted EXCLUDING all sites at Camp Kernville: 24 Sirretta St, Kernville Ca 93238. This is due to extensive infrastructure damage.
***Camp Kernville is still under an Evacuation Order***
For additional cleanup information, visit kernpublichealth.com or call 661-321-3000.
If you have an emergency, call 911. If you have any questions about the content of this message, please contact Kern County Information and Referral Services at 2-1-1.
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****March 16, 2023, 5:20 p.m.****
EVACUATION ORDER LIFTED
A portion of Wofford Heights – Evacuation Order LIFTED 03-16-2023 17:09
This is a message from the Kern County Fire Department
Esta es una actualización de un mensaje anterior. Para español, llame al 2-1-1. Gracias.
This is an update to an earlier ReadyKern message about the Wofford Heights Area.
A PORTION of the Evacuation Order for the Wofford Heights area has been lifted. There are no further advisories in place at this time for this portion of the area, only:
Beginning at the Kernville River Valley Cemetery, South to Wofford Heights Hill, including all areas East of Highway 155/Wofford Heights Boulevard/Burlando Road to the edge of Lake Isabella.
All other areas included in the initial messaging are still under an Evacuation Order. Please refer to the included mapped image; all shaded areas are lifted.
For additional cleanup information, visit kernpublichealth.com or call 661-321-3000
If you have an emergency, call 911. If you have any questions about the content of this message, please contact Kern County Information and Referral Services at 2-1-1. Thank you.
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****March 16, 4:00 p.m.****
EVACUATION ORDER LIFTED
This is an update to an earlier ReadyKern message about the Poso Creek Water Flow.
A PORTION of the Evacuation Warning for the Poso Creek Water Flow has been lifted.
There are no further advisories in place at this time for this portion of the area, only:
Northern Boundary: Elmo Highway
Southern Boundary: Taylor Avenue
Eastern Boundary: Driver Road
Western Boundary: Highway 99
The remaining section South of Taylor Avenue remains under an Evacuation Warning.
For additional cleanup information, visit kernpublichealth.com or call 661-321-3000.
If you have an emergency, call 911. If you have any questions about the content of this message, please contact Kern County Information and Referral Services at 2-1-1. Thank you.
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****March 16, 3:00 p.m.****
EVACUATION ORDER LIFTED
This is an update to an earlier ReadyKern message about the East McFarland Water Flow in the East McFarland area.
The Evacuation Order for East McFarland has been lifted. There are no further advisories in place at this time.
For additional cleanup information, visit kernpublichealth.com or call 661-321-3000.
If you have an emergency, call 911. If you have any questions about the content of this message, please contact Kern County Information and Referral Services at 2-1-1. Thank you.
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****March 16, 2023, 10:35 a.m.****
AM OPERATIONS UPDATE
Overnight water levels in creeks continued to rise and local area flooding was experienced in parts of the valley floor in Northern Kern. This was consistent with the trend of waters reaching the valley floor 8-12 hours after the heavy rains in the mountains. Damage assessments and repairs to impacted infrastructure will continue today. Multiple roads are closed as a result of rock or mudslides with crews on scene working to reopen them as quickly as possible.
As a reminder, access to some roads has been closed and are blocked with signage or barriers. These steps have been taken for the safety of the public. Do not go around road closed barriers.
The hazard analysis of landslides in Wofford Heights continues today. Members of Kern County General Services, US Geology Survey, and ALERTCalifornia are using various technologies to develop accurate reports quickly.
All Evacuation Warnings and Orders issued remain in place. For health and safety risks, no persons should attempt to repopulate an area under Evacuation Order until the orders have been lifted.
For storm response updates, subscribe to notifications at www.kerncountyfire.org
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****March 15, 2023, 6:30 p.m.****
PM OPERATIONS UPDATE
Wednesday’s storm response operations focused on identifying hazards, assessing damage, planning for the next forecasted storms, and evaluations of local terrain by specialists. The recent rain led to a failure in multiple areas of the mountainside, and ultimately an Evacuation Order for Wofford Heights. To establish a more complete picture of the hazard that now exists, and a determination of safe return expectations, local agencies are coordinating with experts in soil movement form the US Geological Survey.
The Emergency Operations Center remains activated and facilitates collaboration between the many departments, agencies, and companies working through this emergency response. In addition to the immediate emergency response, work is already underway to provide for a safe return in our communities as soon as possible.
All Evacuation Warnings and Orders issued remain in place. For health and safety risks, no persons should attempt to repopulate an area under Evacuation Order until the orders have been lifted.
Our communities are to be commended for heeding the evacuation warnings and orders. All should monitor weather updates closely. We encourage all to sign up for emergency notifications at www.readykern.com.
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****March 15, 2023, 11:30 a.m.****
AM OPERATIONS UPDATE
Last night’s rainfall was less than forecasted as we move into multiple days of dryer weather. Kern County Fire crews continue to go throughout the county with local agencies, as well as U.S. Geology Survey geologists, to accurately assess the storm damage and hazard threats from landslides.
While the rainfall has stalled, we still have official projections of the Kern River continuing to rise by mid-afternoon today. We have seen a pattern of flood waters rising after the precipitation has diminished in the mountains because of the river swelling. Kern County Fire Department will continue to monitor these areas, as well as water flow and snow melt within the Kern River Valley, Tillie Creek, Poso Creek, and McFarland/Pond areas.
All Evacuation Orders and Warnings remain in effect. We are reminding the public to stay vigilant in their safety efforts and advisements, as there are multiple road crews, heavy equipment, emergency personnel and damage assessment professionals working in and around the area.
To stay up to date on all of the latest evacuation information, sign up for emergency notifications at www.readykern.com.
****March 14, 2023, 7:00 p.m.****
PM OPERATIONS UPDATE
Tuesday, Kern County firefighters continued with area surveys as rain began falling across parts of Kern County. During their surveys they identified multiple slopes around Wofford Heights where soil had begun to slide. Meetings were held with soil engineers to receive expert advice on the likelihood of landslides. The description given was that soil failures had begun across the mountain and were highly likely to increase during the forecasted rains. Without the ability to know exactly when further failures would occur or how severe the destruction would be as they moved downslope, the decision was made to issue an evacuation order for all of Wofford Heights, CA. KCFD Firefighters remain in the area with heavy equipment and special rescue equipment while KCSO Deputies finalize evacuation notifications.
All other Evacuation Warnings and Orders issued remain in place. For health and safety risks, no persons should attempt to repopulate an area under Evacuation Order until the orders have been lifted.
Our communities are to be commended for their efforts to prepare for the recent storms and for heeding the evacuation warnings and orders. All should monitor weather updates closely. We encourage all to sign up for emergency notifications at www.readykern.com.
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****NEW EVACUATION ORDER****
Wofford Heights – New 03-14-2023 1:10pm – Evacuation Order
This is a message from Kern County Fire Department
Este es un mensaje de emergencia. Para español, llame al 2-1-1. Gracias.
If you live or work in or near Wofford Heights, please pay close attention to this message.
Current and expected weather conditions along with multiple areas of observed soil movement confirm that a landslide is highly likely. Due to this extreme life hazard an Evacuation Order has been issued for all of Wofford Heights, CA.
This is a lawful order to leave now and seek shelter away from the area. The area is lawfully closed to public access. An Evacuation Order will likely be the last order given.
An evacuation center is open at Kern Valley High School, 3340 Erskine Creek Rd, Lake Isabella Ca 93240. Animal Services is providing emergency sheltering for companion animals.
It is advised that you should also monitor your local media for updated information.
If you have any physical limitations and require assistance related to this notification, please call the Aging and Adult Services hotline at 1-855-264-6565 before 2:30pm. WE CANNOT GUARANTEE ASSISTANCE WILL BE OFFERED AFTER THAT TIME.
If you have an emergency, call 9-1-1. If you have any questions about the content of this message, please contact Kern County Information and Referral Services at 2-1-1. Thank you.
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****March 14, 2023, 9:20 a.m.****
AM OPERATIONS UPDATE
The forecasted rainy weather has returned to Kern County. The impact from heavy rainfall is especially hazardous for areas already compromised from previous storms. Heavy rain and steep terrain can be a dangerous combination and mudslides can strike quickly. ALL EVACUATION WARNINGS AND ORDERS REMAIN IN EFFECT, no person should attempt to repopulate an area under Evacuation Order until the orders have been lifted. We strongly encourage all residents to listen for possible emergency notifications, remain watchful of their surroundings, and monitor weather updates.
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****March 13, 2023, 8:00 p.m.****
PM OPERATIONS UPDATE
Monday, firefighters took advantage of a break in the weather to make progress with community damage assessments and preparations for the next forecasted storm. The Kern County Fire Department continues to maintain its increased staffing levels while the Incident Management Team and Emergency Operations Center remain activated.
As firefighters surveyed their response areas, completing damage assessments, all maintained a heightened sense of awareness of their surroundings. Flooded creeks and water run off still pose a threat to our communities but additional hazards were identified. In Wofford Heights an Evacuation Order was issued for the Cane Peak Court area due to observed soil instability that could lead to landslides.
Equally important to the task of identifying hazards and completing damage assessments is the need to prepare for the next storm forecasted to impact Kern County beginning Tuesday. To accomplish this, firefighters worked throughout the county assisting other agencies with the recovery and rehabilitation of infrastructure damaged during the weekend’s storms. A press conference was also held at the Emergency Operations Center urging residents to prepare for another wave of powerful weather.
All Evacuation Warnings and Orders issued remain in place. For health and safety risks, no persons should attempt to repopulate an area under Evacuation Order until the orders have been lifted. There are a lot of things to consider if you or your home have been affected by floodwater. Floodwater and standing water can be dangerous and can make you vulnerable to infectious diseases, chemical hazards, and injuries. Kern County Public Health has developed a webpage with excellent health safety information to aid our community in avoiding these hazards, www.kernpublichealth.com.
Our communities are to be commended for their efforts to prepare for the recent storms and for heeding the evacuation warnings and orders. As a reminder, another storm is forecasted to arrive on Tuesday. All should monitor weather updates closely. We encourage all to sign up for emergency notifications at readykern.com.
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****March 12, 2023, 8:17 p.m.****
PM OPERATIONS UPDATE
Fire crews were busy around the county throughout the day, taking full advantage of favorable weather conditions before a second round of storms moves over the area late Monday through Wednesday. KCFD firefighters aided local agencies with road clearing and repair in the Tillie Creek area, scouted and assessed properties for damage in McFarland and Kernville, and assisted other agencies with flood control measures around the county. Officials continue to watch Caliente Creek toward the community of Lamont; however, retaining ponds constructed through excellent planning by Kern County agencies over the last few years is collecting the creek runoff.
An additional evacuation order was issued for the Pond community this afternoon after water from Poso Creek made its way slowly across the valley floor. An evacuation center for those residents as well as the residents affected in McFarland has been established at the 11th Avenue Community Center in Delano. The evacuation center at the Horizon School in McFarland is no longer open.
The Kern County Fire Department, along with all other assisting agencies, would like to remind residents that all evacuation orders and warnings remain in effect. Official are continuing to assess the area and will notify residents that they may return as soon as deemed safe.
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****March 12, 2023, 6:32 p.m.****
This is an update to an earlier ReadyKern message about the Wasco/Pond Flooding Incident in the Community of Pond.
An evacuation center has been set up at the 11th Avenue Community Center—200 West 11th Avenue Delano Ca 93215. Animal Services will assist with sheltering companion animals at the center.
If you have physical limitations and require evacuation assistance, please call the Aging & Adult Services hotline at 1-855-264-6565 before 7:00pm. WE CANNOT GUARANTEE ASSISTANCE WILL BE OFFERED AFTER THAT TIME.
If you have an emergency, call 911. If you have any questions about the content of this message, please contact Kern County Information and Referral Services at 2-1-1. Thank you.
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****March 12, 2023, 6:10 p.m.****
This is an update to the active evacuation order for the East McFarland area.
A new evacuation center has been set up at the 11th Avenue Community Center—200 West 11th Avenue Delano Ca 93215. Animal Services will assist with sheltering companion animals at the center. The previous evacuation center at the Horizon Elementary School in McFarland is CLOSED.
If you have physical limitations and require evacuation assistance, please call the Aging & Adult Services hotline at 1-855-264-6565 before 7:00pm. WE CANNOT GUARANTEE ASSISTANCE WILL BE OFFERED AFTER THAT TIME.
If you have an emergency, call 911. If you have any questions about the content of this message, please contact Kern County Information and Referral Services at 2-1-1. Thank you.
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****March 12, 2023, 3:00p.m.****
NEW EVACUATION ORDER
Wasco/Pond Flooding Incident – New Notification – Evacuation Order Details below.
Este es un mensaje de emergencia. Para español, llame al 2-1-1. Gracias.
If you live, work in or are near the Wasco/Pond area, please pay close attention to this message.
A Waterflow Flooding Event has become a threat to areas near the Community of Pond
An Evacuation Order is in effect in the surrounding areas of Highway 43 and Pond Rd:
The Northeast corner of Highway 43 and Schuster Road, East to Wasco-Pond Road, South to, and including the residences at the Southwest Corner of ‘B’ Street and Pond Road
This is a lawful order to leave now and seek shelter away from the area. The area is lawfully closed to public access. An Evacuation Order will likely be the last order given.
An evacuation center is being set up. The location of the center will be sent out as soon as available.
It is advised that you should also monitor your local media for updated information.
If you have any physical limitations and require assistance related to this notification, please call the Aging and Adult Services hotline at 1-855-264-6565 before 4:30pm. WE CANNOT GUARANTEE ASSISTANCE WILL BE OFFERED AFTER THAT TIME.
If you have an emergency, call 9-1-1. If you have any questions about the content of this message, please contact Kern County Information and Referral Services at 2-1-1. Thank you.
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***March 12, 2023, 11:15 a.m.****
AM OPERATIONAL UPDATE
KCFD fire personnel were busy overnight assisting local communities that have been affected or displaced by the recent storms.
Residents on the east side of Mcfarland were ordered to evacuate late last night due to flooding; however, lower water levels in Poso Creek along with preparation efforts from KCFD fire crews have allowed for improved conditions this morning.
The Evacuation Order went in effect for residents in the East McFarland area that live from: Elmo Hwy South to East Sherwood Ave. between San Lucas St. West To Hwy 99.
All Evacuation Warnings and Orders issued remain in place for McFarland, as well as Kernville.
In the Kernville area, the river level has continued to recede allowing emergency personnel to begin surveying the extent of damage.
Over 100 personnel from KCFD have been called in to assist our local communities over the past few days, and will continue to assist as long as needed.
Important reminder: Because of the health and safety risks that are involved, no persons should attempt to repopulate an area under Evacuation Order until the orders have been lifted.
Our communities are to be commended for their efforts to prepare for the recent storms and for heeding the evacuation warnings and orders. We encourage all to sign up for emergency notifications at www.ReadyKern.com.
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****March 11, 2023, 8:15 P.M.****
NEW EVACUATION ORDER
If you live or work in or near the East McFarland area, please pay close attention to this message.
A Water Flow has become a threat to areas near East McFarland. An Evacuation Order is in effect for residents that live from: Elmo Hwy South to East Sherwood Ave. between San Lucas St. West To Hwy 99
This is a lawful order to leave now and seek shelter away from the area. The area is lawfully closed to public access. An Evacuation Order will likely be the last order given.
An evacuation center has been set up at Horizon Elementary School 800 Garzoli Ave. McFarland, CA 93250.
It is advised that you should also monitor your local media for updated information.
Evacuation transportation assistance for those residents with physical limitations will be offered until 10:00 PM. If you require evacuation assistance, please call the Aging & Adult Services hotline at 1-855-264-6565 before 10:00 PM. WE CANNOT GUARANTEE ASSISTANCE WILL BE OFFERED AFTER THAT TIME.
If you have an emergency, call 9-1-1. If you have any questions about the content of this message, please contact Kern County Information and Referral Services at 2-1-1. Thank you.
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****March 11, 2023, 7:45 p.m.****
PM OPERATIONS UPDATE 3/11/23
Throughout Saturday KCFD personnel continued assisting Kern communities impacted by severe weather. In the Alta Sierra area they could be found cutting away trees to reopen roadways, in McFarland they assisted with door-to-door Evacuation Warnings and reinforcement of flood control infrastructure. Heavy equipment operators cleared debris flows and the crew of Helicopter 407 conducted reconnaissance flights while remaining available for the possibility of hoist rescues.
To meet the needs of our communities during this time, 105 additional personnel have been added to the normal daily personnel of the Kern County Fire Department. This additional staffing includes the Incident Management Team that was activated Thursday morning.
The KCFD Incident Management Team continues to coordinate fire department operations with the Emergency Operations Center, which remains activated. Communications are ongoing and even include planning and preparation related to forecasts of additional severe storms early this coming week.
All Evacuation Warnings and Orders issued remain in place. For health and safety risks, no persons should attempt to repopulate an area under Evacuation Order until the orders have been lifted.
Our communities are to be commended for their efforts to prepare for the recent storms and for heeding the evacuation warnings and orders. We encourage all to sign up for emergency notifications at www.readykern.com.
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****March 11, 2023, 7:19 a.m.****
Poso Creek Water Flow – New Notification – Evacuation Warning Details below.
Este es un mensaje de emergencia. Para español, llame al 2-1-1. Gracias.
If you live or work in or near the McFarland area, please pay close attention to this message.
A Water Flow has become a threat to areas near McFarland.
An Evacuation Warning is in effect for the residents near Poso Creek:
Elmo Hwy South to Famoso Rd between Driver Rd. West to Hwy 99.
All residents are advised to be prepared to leave the area quickly if it becomes necessary. Those who require additional time to evacuate and those with pets and livestock should leave now.
An evacuation center will be open at 8:00am at Horizon Elementary School 800 Garzoli Ave. McFarland, CA 93250.
It is advised that you should also monitor your local media for updated information.
If you have any physical limitations and require assistance related to this notification, please call the Aging and Adult Services hotline at 1-855-264-6565.
The evacuation map can be found here: Early March Storm Response Map
If you have an emergency, call 9-1-1. If you have any questions about the content of this message, please contact Kern County Information and Referral Services at 2-1-1. Thank you.
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****March 10, 2023 3:48 p.m.****
This is an Update from Kern County Sheriff’s Office and Kern County Fire Department for the Riverkern and Kernville Water Flow in the Kernville area.
Esta es una actualización de un mensaje anterior. Para español, llame al 2-1-1. Gracias.
A NEW EVACUATION CENTER has been set up at Kern Valley High School, 3340 Erskine Creek Rd, Lake Isabella, CA 93240. Animal Services will assist with sheltering companion animals at the center. The previous evacuation center at the Lake Isabella Senior Center is CLOSED.
Evacuation transportation assistance for those residents with physical limitations will be offered until 5:30 PM. If you require evacuation assistance, please call the Aging & Adult Services hotline at 1-855-264-6565 before 5:30 PM. We cannot guarantee that assistance will be offered after that time.
If you have an emergency, call 911. If you have any questions about the content of this message, please contact Kern County Information and Referral Services at 2-1-1. Thank you.
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***Update March 10, 2023 11:43 a.m.***
This is a message from Kern County Sheriff’s Office and Kern County Fire Department
Tillie Creek Water Flow – New Notification – Evacuation Order Details below.
Este es un mensaje de emergencia. Para español, llame al 2-1-1. Gracias.
If you live or work in or near the Wofford Heights area, please pay close attention to this message.
A Water Flow has become a threat to areas near Wofford Heights.
An Evacuation Order is in effect in the Tillie Creek Communities area:
Evans Road South to Old State Road between Wofford Blvd. West to Arnold Springs Dr.
This is a lawful order to leave now and seek shelter away from the area. The area is lawfully closed to public access. An Evacuation Order will likely be the last order given.
An evacuation center is being set up. The location of the center is at The Elks Lodge, 6708 Wofford Blvd, Wofford Heights, CA 93285
It is advised that you should also monitor your local media for updated information.
Evacuation transportation assistance for those residents with physical limitations will be offered until 1:30 PM. If you require evacuation assistance, please call the Aging & Adult Services hotline at 1-855-264-6565 before 1:30 PM. WE CANNOT GUARANTEE ASSISTANCE WILL BE OFFERED AFTER THAT TIME.
If you have an emergency, call 9-1-1. If you have any questions about the content of this message, please contact Kern County Information and Referral Services at 2-1-1. Thank you.
***Updated March 10, 2023 at 10:00 a.m.***
Due to forecasted water flow in the Upper Kern River, which has resulted in flooding, an Evacuation Order has been issued for Riverkern, CA and low-lying areas of Kernville, CA.
Areas of Kernville, CA that are currently impacted are:
South of Riverkern, between Sierra Way and Burlando Rd, North of the Kernville Airport.
An evacuation Order means that water flow is a threat to life and/or property, and all residents are advised to leave the area.
A shelter location is open at the Lake Isabella Senior Center. 6405 Lake Isabella Blvd, Lake Isabella, CA 93240. Animal Services will assist with sheltering companion animals at the center.
Currently, the recommended travel route from the evacuation areas is Sierra Way to Highway 178 to Lake Isabella.
If you have an emergency, call 911. If you have any questions about the content of this message, please contact Kern County Information and Referral Services at 2-1-1. Thank you.
All are encouraged to sign up for emergency notifications at www.readykern.com
****March 9, 2023. 3:05pm****
KERN COUNTY, Calif., To meet the growing management needs of planning, logistics, and operations related to forecasted weather in Kern County the Emergency Operations Center has been activated.
Additionally, the following Evacuation Warning has been issued:
Due to forecasted water flow in the Upper Kern River, which could result in possible flooding, an Evacuation Warning has been issued for Riverkern, CA and low-lying areas of Kernville, CA.
Areas of Kernville, CA expected to be impacted are:
South of Riverkern, between Sierra Hwy and Burlando Rd, North of the Kernville Airport.
Evacuation Warning means that water flow is a potential threat to life and/or property, and all residents are advised to be prepared to leave the area at a moment’s notice if it becomes necessary. Those who require additional time to evacuate, and those with pets and livestock, should leave now.
A shelter location is scheduled to open at 3:00 pm, Thursday, March 9th at the Lake Isabella Senior Center. 6405 Lake Isabella Blvd, Lake Isabella, CA 93240. Animal Services will assist with sheltering companion animals at the center.
Evacuation transportation assistance for those residents with physical limitations will be offered until 6:00 PM. If you require evacuation assistance, please call the Aging & Adult Services hotline at 1-855-264-6565 before 6:00 PM. WE CANNOT GUARANTEE ASSISTANCE WILL BE OFFERED AFTER THAT TIME.
If you have an emergency, call 911. If you have any questions about the content of this message, please contact Kern County Information and Referral Services at 2-1-1. Thank you.
All are encouraged to sign up for emergency notifications at www.readykern.com.
