Latest News Regarding Fire Restrictions for Sequoia National Forest effective September 26

In response to the decreasing fire danger, the Sequoia National Forest and Giant Sequoia National Monument announced a change in fire restrictions effective today, Thursday September 26th 2013. This includes forestlands located in Fresno, Tulare and Kern counties.

Campfires and charcoal barbecues are now allowed in designated sites less vulnerable to wildfire, which includes most developed campgrounds. These locations are posted at Forest offices and listed on the Sequoia National Forest website http://www.fs.usda.gov/sequoia/

Stoves and lanterns with shut-off valves that use gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel are allowed anywhere. In all cases, the visitor must possess a valid California Campfire Permit. Free campfire permits are available online or at any Forest Service office.

Fire officials expect these restrictions to remain in place until measurable precipitation falls in the area. Keep in mind that many wildfires are caused by people, due to lack of information, education, or awareness regarding; proper outdoor equipment use; safe towing, proper maintenance, tire pressure, etc. of vehicles; and industrial work. Please take a closer look at the following website http://www.preventwildfireca.org/OneLessSpark/ to see how YOU can help prevent wildfires.

The Kern County Fire Department is pleased to submit this 2012 Hazardous
Materials Commodities Flow Study for Kern County.

The purpose of the Hazardous Materials Commodities Flow Study was to identify the
types and amounts of hazardous commodities transported through a specified geographic
area of Kern County, as well as the routes on which they are transported. Chemicals
transported have been identified specifically or by hazard class, as well as the types of
vehicles used to transport them and the routes they take in and out of a geographic area.
Upon completion of the Kern County Hazardous Materials Commodities Flow Study,
planners will have a better understanding of hazardous materials transportation patterns,
and these data can be used conduct planning and estimate risks facing the area. First
responders can utilize this study as a guide to anticipate potential chemicals involved in a
spill in a specific area of Kern County. This study can be used to assess total truck traffic,
daily and seasonal variations in traffic, awareness and training of drivers and emergency
personnel in the area, and frequently used transportation routes. Conducting an analysis
of commodity flows is an important step in assessing transportation-related hazardous
materials risks.

Click here to download complete study