Bakersfield, Calif. — The Kern County Fire Department is actively responding to a vegetation fire burning in the area of east Bakersfield.

The fire was first detected by camera systems at approximately 3:19 p.m., and resources were dispatched shortly after. The first unit arrived on scene at 3:39 p.m. and reported a rapidly spreading fire moving east. The fire has grown significantly and is now estimated at approximately 2,100 acres due to dry grass and high winds.

An evacuation order had been issued for Zone KRN-443, which has now been downgraded to an evacuation warning. Several structures were initially threatened; at this time, no structures have been reported lost, and crews continue to monitor and protect homes in the area. 

The fire has extended into the Bena Landfill area, and firefighting efforts are currently focused on controlling the fire along the northern edge.

The cause of the fire is under investigation. The Kern County Fire Department will remain on scene throughout the night and into the morning to fully extinguish the fire.