BEAR VALLEY SPRINGS, Calif., Monday morning, Kern County firefighters responded to reports of two separate fires in the area of Bear Valley Springs, dispatched within minutes of each other. A handful of KCFD firefighters did an outstanding job containing the Sheep Fire at 1.1 acres. The Trotter Fire was a threat to multiple homes as it spread quickly up steep terrain. Additional resources were requested, and an evacuation order was issued for an area in the path of the Trotter fire. Air and ground resources worked effectively together and were able to stop the forward progress of the fire allowing the evacuation order to be lifted. The fast response by firefighters kept the fire to approximately 40 acres with no reports of damaged or destroyed structures. Firefighters will remain on scene working through areas of burning thick vegetation until 100% containment is achieved. The cause of the Trotter Fire was determined to be a lightning strike.

Special thanks to members of Red Cross and Kern County Animal Services who quickly prepared and staffed the evacuation center.