MARICOPA, Calif., Monday at approximately 5:41 pm, Kern County firefighters were dispatched to reports of a vegetation fire east of Maricopa. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered two vegetation fires spreading quickly in high winds. Firefighters began "mobile attack" operations, a tactic in which offroad capable fire engines are driven along the fire's edge while firefighters use onboard water to extinguish the fire. This tactic proved beneficial, as the forward progress of the fire was stopped less than one hour from firefighters arriving on scene. The final size once contained was approximately 83 acres. Cause is under investigation.

Monday's fire shows that grasses in Kern County are already dry and susceptible to burning. All are encouraged to maintain defensible space on their property and sign up at readykern.com for emergency notifications.