Kernville Fire update July 28th: smoke effecting community

Residents of the Kern River Valley woke up yesterday morning to a thick blanket of smoke caused by the continuing burning fire outside the town of Kernville, a popular tourist town on the west side of Lake Isabella, next to the Kern River, fifty miles above Bakersfield California.

The public health department warned people to stay out of the smoke, stay inside and avoid strenuous exercise, as the air is clouded by the fire which continues to burn with no containment in sight.

However, thousands of firefighters have been battling this fast moving fire which started at 1:46 Pm on Monday, and quickly turned from a small fire encompassing several acres, to 4500 acres by late Monday night.

Spokeperson, Michelle Puckett, public information officer for the Bureau of Land Management, updated the figures as the fire has now spread out from 4500 acres to 11,000 acres even with the help of air support which could be seen flying and filling all day long.

The information officer also said they have confirmed now eight homes, not six, were destroyed and another six outside buildings also succumbed to the blaze.

Puckett said that until they get the fire under control, they are still not clear how many homes have actually been involved, or if campers are stranded as this is the peak time for tourists to visit.

Even with 1000's of firefighters on scene, Puckett said there has only been one reported injury and one case of dehydration.

There is no estimate as to how long it will take to contain the fire as it spread so fast and conditions such as wind and heat will play a significant role in bringing this wildfire under control.

Due to wind conditions, the fire, it was reported by witnesses that early yesterday morning the flames headed back towards the small business district in Kernville, but Puckett said the firefighers made their stand to protect lives and structures, as that is the priority.

Asked if she had any advice for residents, she said there is a program she called, "The ready Kern System" where people can sign up with their local fire department to get a call if a fire is getting close and that there would be a need to evacuate.

Many people in Kernville are taking it in stride though, saying things such as "this is nature and we are living in it; fires are natural."

Other residents coming back to their homes said they have created an emergency plan for both their animals and other important items. "We want to be prepared so we don't lose things that are precious and irreplaceable."

An unconfirmed report today said the horses from Camp Owens have been removed. One former employee asked about the other animals such as the goats and chickens, and we have been unable to get a clear picture of how many animals were taken or left behind.

"I don't want to see those animals burn,"a former employee of the Camp said.

Puckett also said they have been in touch with the local fire safe council and spoke about "defensible space."

Residents are encouraged to keep limbs trimmed from the house and to keep plants well watered and to use certain plants which are not prone to burn. This can allow firefighters a better chance of keeping your home safe.

The Kern Valley, recently absorbing two recent water rate increases in the last five years, as California Water Services asked the Public Utilities Commission for the increase so the company could build more treatment plants to adhere to the new Federal laws lowering the levels of a local problem: arsenic in the water.

Another increase came and now residents are struggling with higher water bills.

These increases may cause some to cut back on watering their landscaping, which could turn into a fire hazard, making it difficult for firefighters to save structures surrounded by dried vegetation and trees.

It was reported tonight that the dark red clouds to the south east are from the Tehachapi fire blowing into the Kern Valley, covering the sky with plumes of pungent smoke from all directions.

Another update will be available this morning as the containment has been reported at 5% late last night and more information as to the progress of putting out the rapid moving and stubborn blaze.

We also have phone numbers from concerned community members willing to take large and small animals until the fire is finally smothered.

The South Lake Animal shelter has reported that people have been donating cages to be given to people who are tying to evacuate their animals. We will follow up on this part of the story.

More to come....