TAFT, Calif. Tuesday evening, Kern County firefighters were dispatched to multiple reports of a fire on 25 Hill Road, south of the city of Taft. A vegetation fire approximately 25 acres in size burned in grass and brush as firefighters arrived at the scene. The fire was spreading quickly through the hills, driven south by the wind. Air resources overhead communicated from their bird’s eye view, that there were no structures or equipment in front of the fire at risk. The entire arsenal of resources including engines, crews, dozers, helicopters and tankers began to arrive. The fire burned on Bureau of Land Management land and BLM resources assisted in the fight. A joint Incident Command was established between KCFD and BLM. Firefighters strategically constructed fireline, connecting with roads wherever possible to control the fire’s edge. Firing operations were conducted to create buffers along roads, reducing the potential for spot fires and adding to the fire’s containment. The fire’s forward spread was stopped at 2 a.m. Firefighters continued to work throughout the night, increasing containment.

Total acreage is 1088. Containment stands at 60%. Crews remain active on scene and full fire containment is anticipated by Wednesday night or Thursday morning. 

No injuries have been reported. The cause is under investigation.