Single Publication

Borel Fire Incident Update Friday, August 9, 2024

Fire Information: 559-481-7849, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. | Media Line: 559-492-9967, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. | Email: 2024.lightnin

A Local Assistance Center will be opening TODAY August 10, from 10:00 am until 7:00 pm and will continue daily through Tuesday, August 13, from 10:00 am until 7:00 pm. Address: Lake Isabella Senior Center, 6401 Lake Isabella Blvd. Lake Isabella, CA 93240.

Current Situation:  There is no expectation for additional growth on the Borel Fire, but crews remain ready to respond to any unexpected fire behavior. The focus is on suppression repair and eliminating flare ups in steep terrain within the fire’s perimeter. Several evacuations were lifted yesterday, leaving only two areas under Evacuation Order.

Borel Fire: Crews made excellent progress on suppression repair efforts yesterday. Firefighters continue to work hard in difficult terrain to completely contain the fire with line from hand crews and dozers. Isolated torching can be expected well inside the perimeter and can be seen as a visible glow at night. These isolated pockets of unburned fuel currently pose no threat to the fire’s perimeter or surrounding communities. As residents re-enter their neighborhoods and properties, we ask for careful, slow, and safe driving due to the large number of personnel still working, including fire, utilities, and other crews.

Trout and Long Fire:  For continuing information, please visit: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/casqf-2024-sqf-lightning 

Weather:  Today will remain hot and dry, with highs reaching triple digits in some areas of the fire. Weather is expected to see a gradual cooling trend into next week, with winds of 5-15 mph and gusts up to 25 mph. 

Sequoia National Forest & BLM Closures & Restrictions:  Sequoia National Forest lands, roads, trails, and recreation sites around the Trout and Long Fires are temporarily closed under Forest Order No. 0513-24-12. Lands, roads, trails, and recreation sites around the Borel Fire are closed under Forest Order No. 0513-24-14. Fire restrictions are in effect under Forest Order No. 0513-24-10. All orders, maps, and accompanying appendices can be found on the Forest’s website: tinyurl.com/2en2d36k. The Bureau of Land Management Bakersfield Field Office has temporarily closed Long Valley Campground, Chimney Creek Campground, and portions of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). View the emergency closure order here: tinyurl.com/4mprcb9b. The PCT is closed between Hwy 178 at Walker Pass (mile 653) and the South Fork of the Kern River bridge (mile 717.7).

Evacuation Center:  The Tehachapi Education Center located at 126 S. Snyder Ave., Tehachapi has been placed in a standby status, due to no residents currently utilizing the service.  The shelter is available and ready to assist upon request if the need arises for the communities affected by the evacuation orders and warnings. Animal services are available to assist in sheltering companion animals at the center. Contact the American Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767 to utilize these services.

Large-Animal Assistance:  The rodeo grounds in Kernville (467 Scodie Ave., Kernville) is available for residents who need to move large animals or livestock. For more information, contact Orion, Kernville Chamber of Commerce, 661-340-0026.

Road Closures:  Caliente Bodfish Road is now open, however crews remain in the area with heavy apparatus performing work on and near the roads; please proceed with caution. Visit the Kern County Public Works Department website for the additional information on county road closures (tinyurl.com/z6crvp6t)

Evacuations:   Everyone in areas of active fires should “Know Your Zone.” Go to Genasys Protect (tinyurl.com/jcdv55f9) to identify the zone you reside in.  Several changes to evacuation orders and warnings have been announced recently, and more changes will be coming early this afternoon.