GRAPEVINE, Calif., On May 13th, 2025, the Kern County Fire Department will be conducting the “Grapevine Flats” Public Safety Burn. This will be conducted on the Northbound side of Interstate 5 at the base of the Grapevine, covering just over one mile of ground along the highway. Ignition will begin at approximately 1 p.m. Burning will continue throughout the afternoon and may extend into the evening hours.
This proactive burn is designed to reduce vegetation along the roadway, creating a buffer zone that helps prevent wildfires from spreading into the surrounding wildlands. By mitigating fire risk in this area, we are helping protect local landscapes, habitats, and nearby communities including Digier Canyon and Lebec from potentially devastating summertime wildfires.
Drivers traveling through the area are urged to reduce their speed, stay alert, and watch for fire personnel and equipment along the highway.
The KCFD appreciates the community’s support as we carry out this critical public safety initiative. These efforts are essential to protecting both people, property and natural resources during wildfire season.
DATE: Tuesday, May 13th
TIME: 1 p.m.
LOCATION: Northbound I-5 @ Grapevine
What is a prescribed burn?
A prescribed burn, sometimes called controlled burn or public safety burn, is a prescription to treat an area through the reduction of vegetation to increase public safety. Specialists write this prescription to be carried out at a date, time, and manner to achieve the best results safely. The decision is made after an extensive and ongoing review of the location, vegetation types, vegetation moisture, weather, and burn history among other factors.
Why treat these areas?
Public safety burns help prevent a fire from extending from the roadway into the surrounding wildlands. This protects the landscape and habitat from destructive wildland fires. Additionally, this burn will reduce the likelihood that the communities of Digier Canyon and Lebec will be exposed to dangerous wildfire.
Community Message:
You may smell or see smoke. Whenever a fire is burning nearby, we recommend staying extra vigilant, keeping informed about changes in fire activity. Register at ReadyKern.com for emergency notifications and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
Your Kern County Fire Department continues to actively manage hazards to our communities through prescribed burns and mechanical treatments (fuel breaks created by heavy equipment). We encourage all residents to make sure they are maintaining the required defensible space around their home.
