Canyon Wildfire, Kern County

Incident Overview

The Canyon Fire was reported at approximately 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 12,2010

The fire is located in the Lower Kern River Canyon, below, (and west) of Lake Isabella. The fire started near Delonegha on the south side of the Lower Kern River. The fire quickly spread to both sides of the Kern River, jumping over the Old Kern Canyon Road and back across Highway 178, resulting in active fire on both sides of the two roads. Within an hour the fire spread to over 200 acres calling for evacuations of recreational sites along the Lower Kern River, including Remington Hot Springs, Black Gulch, Mill Creek, Hobo, Sandy Flat and Miracle Day Use area. Several outfitter guide (boating) companies camp sites were also evacuated.

Highway 178 is now OPEN -Please observe all speed limits through the burned area off of Hwy 178 due to fire fighters and equipment on the road.

The fire is presently at 6,136 acres.

Evacuations: Myers Canyon south of Bodfish Canyon, and Rocky Road, and community of Havilah. Be advised, the American Red Cross shelter is now operating at the Kern River Valley Senior Center (6405 Lake Isabella Blvd.). The phone number is 661-333-0265. Kern County Human Services staff is onsite working with Red Cross volunteers. A second shelter has been established in Twin Oakes at 661-867-2550. Both shelters are available to help accomodate small and large animals.

Road Closures: Bodfish Canyon road and Caliente Bodfish road is closed from Bodfish to Havilah, Old Kern Canyon road.

1,565 personnel, Cost: 4.5 million

Basic Information
Incident Type Wildfire
Cause Human -under Investigation
Date of Origin Sunday September 12th, 2010 approx. 01:54 PM
Location 8 miles west of Lake Isabella
Incident Commander David Cooper

Current Situation
Total Personnel 1,565
Size 6,136 acres
Percent Contained 50%
Estimated Containment Date Sunday September 19th, 2010 approx. 12:00 AM
Fuels Involved Grass, brush and timber.

Fire Behavior Interior areas of the fire continue to burn actively on the east half of the fire, the west side had some observed hot spot inside the line. Wind continues to affect the fire with occasional flare up near the line.

Significant Events Emergency road closures are in place on the "Old" Kern Canyon Road


Outlook
Planned Actions Continued line construction and start mop-up operations.

Growth Potential Medium

Terrain Difficulty High

Remarks Steep ground and active fire are still major concerns. Air resources continue to play a key role in keeping fire away from high risk areas. Some damage was sustained by the 66KV powerlines, local power company has started repairs.

Current Weather
Wind Conditions 19 mph SW
Temperature 86 degrees
Humidity 21%

Source: http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2124/