LAKE ISABELLA, Calif. Friday afternoon, Kern County firefighters were dispatched to Red Hill Rd. for multiple reports of a grass fire moving up the hill. Firefighters arrived to approximately two acres of grass on fire, spreading quickly. In addition to Kern County Fire, the U.S. Forest Service, CalFire, and Bureau of Land Management sent firefighters and equipment. All four agencies joined in a unified effort. 

No structures were immediately threatened, but a strike team of engines was started for structure protection due to the fire’s potential. Evacuation Warnings were declared for multiple zones and a small area with a higher threat was given an Evacuation Order. Firefighters estimated that the fire had potential to threaten 120 homes. 

Air resources dropped water and painted the hillside with fire retardant, knocking back the flames. Fire engines, patrols, crews and dozers went to work, extending hoselines and cutting fireline. Firefighters hiked over the steep rocky hillside to directly attack the fire’s edge. After nearly five hours of resolute effort, forward spread of the fire was stopped and all evacuation orders and warnings were lifted.

A hand crew is scheduled to remain on scene through Sunday, June 2nd, performing fire watch and improving the fire’s containment. The fire’s spread was stopped at 98 acres in size and is 77% contained.  The cause is under investigation and no injuries have been reported.