MARICOPA, Calif., Thursday afternoon, Kern County firefighters were dispatched to reports of a vegetation fire east of Maricopa. It was clear how quickly the fire, being fanned by erratic winds, was increasing in size with each radio update. The first arriving Battalion Chief did not hesitate to order additional resources, which were certainly needed to battle the fast-moving fire. Fire Engines, Helicopters, Dozers, and Airplanes were skillfully used by firefighters to attack the fire as communications teams were sharing details of the Evacuation Warnings declared by the Incident Commander.

The fire posed a threat to natural resources, agriculture, commercial industries, and people alike. Within hours the hard work was rewarded, as the containment had grown and the forward progress of the 1,286-acre fire was nearly stopped. With the smoke dissipating Evacuation Warnings were lifted and crews shifted their focus to increasing and strengthening containment lines. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Firefighters will remain on scene overnight to fully extinguish the fire. Containment is now up to 50%.

The School Fire is proof that at any time we can experience wildfires in Kern County. All should be preparing now to keep themselves safe. Create defensible space around your home, sign up for ReadyKern messages, assemble go-bags, and preplan escape routes.