By LAURA AUSTIN News Review Staff Writer– On Saturday, August 5, Kern County firefighters and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) responded to Sand Canyon to reports of a vegetation fire four miles west of Brown Rd and Hwy 395 just southwest of Pearsonville.
The canyon was searched to ensure no individuals were camping or hiking in the area. At the same time, they were beginning fire suppression along the fire’s perimeter.
BLM, Kern County, and U.S. Forestry fire units were assisted by multiple other agencies, including Cal Fire and Evergreen Fire and Rescue, out of Kalispell, Montana. 150 personnel and nearly a half dozen aerial firefighting air tankers and helicopters battled the fire.
BLM resources eventually took command of the incident, and Kern County Fire resources were completed.
Excessive rainfall earlier this year, abundant vegetation, and the hot, dry weather produced perfect conditions for the rapid spread of the wildfire. By mid-evening, the fire had grown to nearly 600 acres.
The air tankers and helicopters used Little Lake to replenish their craft and could be seen in operation throughout the day on Saturday.
By 6:57, Cal Fire updated the fire as 70% contained at 1,120 acres burned.
By Monday at 10 PM, the fire was 100% contained. The expected control date of no more smoke or threat is expected today by 6 PM.
No injuries to personnel or civilians occurred, and no structures were reported damaged or destroyed. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
