Hundreds evacuated as brush fire burns almost 1,400 acres near Lake Isabella
Hundreds evacuated as brush fire burns almost 1,400 acres near Lake Isabella
28 May 2011
published by http://latimesblogs.latimes.com
USA — Firefighters were battling a nearly 1,400-acre fire near Lake Isabella in Kern County, prompting the evacuation of hundreds of people.
According to CalFire, the blaze started Friday near Kissack Cove, east of Lake Isabella in the Sequoia National Forest.
Fire crews and water-dropping aircraft battled the blaze into the evening.
“Evacuations were put in place for residents north and south of Highway 178 from Kissack Cove to Weldon,” according to CalFire. “Approximately 400 homes were threatened and 2,000 to 4,000 residents were affected by the evacuations. Heavy smoke was due to the fire burning into cottonwoods and damp ground fuels.”
As of Saturday morning, the blaze was 25% contained.
“The expected weather today will be cooler with a reduced wind speed, which will help with firefighting activities,” the Kern County Fire Department said in a statement.
