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The Piute Fire burned 37,026 acres and is 100% contained

Quick Links: Piute Fire Photos and Videos (.Mac); Piute Fire Videos (YouTube); Piute Fire Google Maps
View Larger Map Map Updated on 7/16/2008 at 8:35 PM (For more detail of the fire perimeter zoom in or open in Google Earth)

Piute Fire Maps

Interactive Google Maps:

Click Here (Fire Perimeter and General Info; Piute Fire Photos; Fire Information Bulletin Boards)

Google Earth Map:

7/12 | 7/11 | 7/10 | 7/8 | 7/7 | 7/6 | 7/5 | 7/4 | 7/2

Operations Map:

7/13 | 7/12 | 7/11 | 7/10 | 7/9 | 7/8 | 7/7 | 7/6 | 7/5 | 7/4 | 7/3

IR Map:

7/3

Progression Map:

7/12/ | 7/11 | 7/10 | 7/9 | 7/5 | 7/4

NASA Satellite Photo:

7/7 | 7/3 - Piute Fire is on the lower right side

UPDATE # 60 (July 25, 2008 at 5:30 PM)

Piute Fire 100% Contained July 25, 2008 at 5:00 PM

The 37,026-acre Piute Fire is 100% contained, fire officials announced today. The fire has been burning in the Sequoia National Forest (SQF) and on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) public lands, since igniting June 28. The fire was first reported north of Kern County Fire Station 78 in the vicinity of Piute Mountain Road. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

The Piute Fire will be in a patrol status with firefighters monitoring for any interior flare-ups and/or hot spots. With warmer and drier weather expected, the potential for smoke being visible from nearby communities is possible and firefighters will remain alert and initiate suppression action. Due to this possibility, officials have not declared the fire to be “fully controlled” until late August.

The Piute Fire Area Closure initiated by SQF and BLM officials on July 1, will remain in effect until further notice. A Burned Area Emergency Response Team (BAER) is completing their assessment of hazards, fire impacts, and any potential threats to life and property. Their report is expected to be complete next week and will include a burn severity map, along with recommendations for possible treatments on federal lands to reduce the threat of future resource damage.

In addition, all road closures will remain in effect until more evaluations are conducted. In the Piute Mountains, only residents and property owners are allowed to return to the area. Other road closures include McCray and Fawn Drive from the end of the pavement south, Piute Mountain Road at Caliente Creek Jawbone Road south of Piute Mountain Road, roads 29S02 and 29S03, and Erskine Creek road at the end of the pavement.

During the Piute Fire, heavy thunderstorm activity over a 3-4 day period, caused flash flooding, debris and mudflows that threatened several communities, causing evacuations and some road closures including Lake Isabella Blvd. The “Piute Fire/Flash Flood Phone Bank” was activated through the offices of Kern County Supervisors’ Jon McQuiston and Supervisor Maben, to assist residents affected by these events.

Six residence and 45 outbuildings were destroyed or damaged during the fire. Four firefighters sustained minor injuries. The estimated cost to contain the Piute Fire is $24.5 million.

UPDATE # 59 (July 17, 2008 at 8:30 AM)

Piute Fire Final Update July 17, 2008 at 8:00 AM

Percent Containment: 97 Percent
Total Acres Burned: 37,026
Cost to Date: $23,647,000
Structures Threatened: 0
Total Personnel: 501

WHAT’S NEW & EVENTS
All fire related evacuation orders for the Piute Fire have been removed.
All flood warnings and flood evacuations are being managed by Kern County Sheriff Department – Call 211 for flood information.
• Crews continued working to mop up scattered hot spots
• Rehabilitation of fire line continues on all contained sections of the fire
• Primary concerns for firefighter safety include unknown road conditions due to yesterday’s flash floods, trees weakened by soil movement, and potential thunderstorms and associated erratic winds
• For anyone that may need assistance from the Red Cross due to the Piute Fire and associated flood events, please contact them at (661) 324-6427 or (800) 498-4882.

FIRE STATUS
Between 1 and 3 inches of rain fell across the Piute Fire area yesterday. As a result, fire activity has been minimal. Fire crews will be assessing roads for access into the fire today following yesterdays flash flood event.

Red Cross Evacuation Shelter
The shelter at the Kern Valley Senior Center, 6409 Lake Isabella Blvd, will remain open to assist any that may be displaced due to flood activity.

WEATHER
Mostly sunny. A slight chance of thunderstorms just to the east of the fire area (10%). Temperatures range from 78-88 on the ridge tops to 94-100 in the valleys. Relative humidity will be 20 to 30% across the area. Valley winds will be 1-3 mph becoming westerly 4-6 mph in the afternoon. Ridge top winds will be east to southeast 2-4 mph becoming northwest late in the afternoon.

COOPERATING AGENCIES & PARTNERS
California Incident Management Team 2, US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Kern County Fire Department, Kern County Sheriff, and Kern County Office of Emergency Services, CALFIRE, California Highway Patrol and the Kern County Animal Control, and Office of Emergency Services Fire and Rescue.

UPDATE # 58 (July 16, 2008 at 8:35 AM)

NEW FLASH FLOOD VIDEO

Kern County Fire Department Helicopter 408 captures rare footage of day 1 of the flash floods as they help warn people of the imminent danger - .Mac Gallery | YouTube

UPDATE # 57 (July 16, 2008 at 8:30 AM)

Piute Fire Update July 16, 2008 at 8:00 AM

Percent Containment: 80 Percent
Total Acres Burned: 37,026
Cost to Date: $23,383,000
Structures Threatened: 1,432
Total Personnel: 660

WHAT’S NEW & EVENTS
• Severe thunderstorm and flash flood activity continued over the Piute Fire limiting fire crew access to fire control lines. Minor mud and debris flows in Cortez Canyon resulted in several inches of mud crossing Kelso Valley Road.
• All future flood warnings will be managed by Kern County Office of Emergency Services. Flood information can be obtained by call 211.
• Crews will be working to mop up scattered hot spots in upper Bob Rabbit and Erskine Canyons.
• Rehabilitation of fire line has been initiated on all contained sections of the fire. Approximately 5 miles of fire lane have been rehabilitated.
• Primary concerns for firefighter safety include unknown road conditions due to yesterday’s flash floods, trees weakened by soil movement, and potential thunderstorms and associated erratic winds.
• For anyone that may need assistance from the Red Cross due to the Piute Fire and associated flood events, please contact them at (661) 324-6427 or (800) 498-4882.

FIRE STATUS
Between 1 and 3 inches of rain fell across the Piute Fire area yesterday. As a result, fire activity has been minimal. Fire crews will be assessing roads for access into the fire today following yesterdays flash flood event.

Red Cross Evacuation Shelter
The shelter at the Kern Valley Senior Center, 6409 Lake Isabella Blvd, will remain open to assist any that may be displaced due to flood activity.

Existing Closures and Road Status
On July 1, the Forest Service implemented a Piute Fire Area Closure. This area includes all access points west of the Pacific Crest Trail. BLM closures include Nichols Peak, Bright Star Wilderness Area, Cortez Canyon, Dry Canyon, Jawbone Canyon and Lynch Canyon, Piute Mountain Road, Saddle Springs Road, Erskine Creek Road and all routes of travel west of the Pacific Crest Trail, are now closed to off highway vehicles (OHV). Other road closures include McCray Road from the end of the pavement south, and Fawn Drive from the end of the pavement south. There is an area closure in effect for the Piute Mountains from Piute Mountain Road at Caliente Creek Road; Jawbone Canyon Road south of Piute Mountain Road; Roads 29S02 and 29S03 and Erskine Creek Road at pavement.

WEATHER
The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch for Kern County mountains from 1 PM through this evening. Partly cloudy with a 30% chance of showers or thunderstorms in the afternoon. Locally heavy rain and flash flood warnings will be possible again today. Temperatures range from 78-88 on the ridge tops to 90-98 in the valleys. Relative humidity will be 30 to 40% across the area. Valley winds will be 1-3 mph becoming slope driven 4-6 mph in the afternoon. Ridge top winds will be east to southeast 2-4 mph becoming northwest late in the afternoon.

COOPERATING AGENCIES & PARTNERS
California Incident Management Team 2, US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Kern County Fire Department, Kern County Sheriff, and Kern County Office of Emergency Services, CALFIRE, California Highway Patrol and the Kern County Animal Control, and Office of Emergency Services Fire and Rescue.

UPDATE # 56 (July 15, 2008 at 9:30 AM)

Piute Fire Update July 15, 2008 at 8:00 AM

Percent Containment: 70 Percent
Total Acres Burned: 37,026
Cost to Date: $23,000,000
Structures Threatened: 1,432
Total Personnel: 994

WHAT’S NEW & EVENTS
• Severe thunderstorm and flash flood activity continued over the Piute Fire limiting fire crew access to fire control lines. Mud and debris flows in Erskine Canyon were less severe then the previous two events. No flood rescues were required and Lake Isabella Road was reopened shortly after the flood event.
• An infrared flight of the fire indicated minimal hotspots exist in upper Bob Rabbit and Erskine Canyons. Crews will be working to mop up these limited hot spots today.
• Rehabilitation of fire line has been initiated on all controlled sections of the fire.
• Primary concerns for firefighter safety include unknown road conditions due to yesterday’s flash flood, trees weakened by soil movement due to the flood, and potential thunderstorms and associated erratic winds.
• For anyone that may need assistance from the Red Cross due to the Piute Fire and associated flood events, please contact them at (661) 324-6427 or (800) 498-4882.

FIRE STATUS
Between 1 and 3 inches of rain fell across the Piute Fire area yesterday. As a result, fire activity has been minimal. Fire crews will be assessing roads for access into the fire today following yesterdays flash flood event.

Red Cross Evacuation Shelter
The shelter at the Kern Valley Senior Center, 6409 Lake Isabella Blvd, is closed at this time.

Existing Closures and Road Status
On July 1, the Forest Service implemented a Piute Fire Area Closure. This area includes all access points west of the Pacific Crest Trail. BLM closures include Nichols Peak, Bright Star Wilderness Area, Cortez Canyon, Dry Canyon, Jawbone Canyon and Lynch Canyon, Piute Mountain Road, Saddle Springs Road, Erskine Creek Road and all routes of travel west of the Pacific Crest Trail, are now closed to off highway vehicles (OHV). Other road closures include McCray Road from the end of the pavement south, and Fawn Drive from the end of the pavement south. There is an area closure in effect for the Piute Mountains from Piute Mountain Road at Caliente Creek Road; Jawbone Canyon Road south of Piute Mountain Road; Roads 29S02 and 29S03 and Erskine Creek Road at pavement.

WEATHER
The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch for Kern County Mountains from 1 PM this afternoon to 10 PM tonight. Partly cloudy with a 40% chance of showers or thunderstorms in the afternoon. Locally heavy rain and flash flood warnings will be possible again today. Temperatures range from 75-85 on the ridge tops to 90-95 in the valleys. Relative humidity will be 30 to 40% across the area. Valley winds will be 1-3 mph becoming slope driven 4-6 mph in the afternoon. Ridge top winds will be east to southeast 4-8 mph becoming northwest late in the afternoon.

COOPERATING AGENCIES & PARTNERS
California Incident Management Team 2, US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Kern County Fire Department, Kern County Sheriff, and Kern County Office of Emergency Services, CALFIRE, California Highway Patrol and the Kern County Animal Control, and Office of Emergency Services Fire and Rescue.

UPDATE # 55 (July 14, 2008 at 5:30 PM)

NEW FLASH FLOOD VIDEO

Kern County Fire Department Helicopter 408 Hoist Rescue Infant from Roof Top - .Mac Gallery | YouTube
Kern County Fire Department Helicopter 408 Rescues Family of Five - .Mac Gallery | YouTube

UPDATE # 54 (July 14, 2008 at 1:15 PM)

FLASH FLOOD WARNING AND RECOMMENDED EVACUATION NOTICE (July 14, 2008 at 1:00 PM)

RECOMMENDED EVACUATION ISSUED JULY 14, 2008 AT 1:00 P.M.

A RECOMMENDED EVACUATION IS ISSUED FOR ALL RESIDENCES IN LAKE ISABELLA IN LOW AREAS ON BOTH SIDES OF ERSKINE CREEK FROM THE MOUTH OF ERSKINE CREEK CANYON AT THE PAVEMENT’S END TO THE KERN RIVER.

EXPECTED MUDFLOW TO CROSS OVER ISABELLA BLVD BETWEEN BODFISH AND LAKE ISABELLA

POSSIBLE FLASH FLOOD ON KELSO VALLEY ROAD FROM PIUTE MOUNTAIN RD TO HWY 178 AND KELSO CREEK ROAD NORTH OF KELSO VALLEY ROAD.

This notice made on recommendation from Piute Fire Unified Command in cooperation with the Kern County Sheriff’s Department and Kern County OES.

Residents are advised to leave the area immediately. This will be the last warning given. The Red Cross Shelter at Kern River Valley Senior Center, 6409 Lake Isabella Blvd, has been activated.

General Flood Safety Information / Preparedness Links
National Weather Service - Weather Alert / Flood Warning
Kern County Flood PSA - Kern County's Response To Flood Danger
Ready.gov - Flood Information / Preparedness
Floodsmart.gov - Flood Scenarios / Information
Weather Underground - Radar and General Weather Updates

UPDATE # 53 (July 14, 2008 at 9:00 AM)

Piute Fire Update July 14, 2008 at 8:00 AM

Percent Containment: 68 Percent
Total Acres Burned: 37,026
Cost to Date: $22,105,000
Structures Threatened: 1,432
Total Personnel: 1,633

WHAT’S NEW & EVENTS
• Due to severe thunderstorm and flash flood activity over the Piute Fire, crews had limited access to fire control lines. For a second consecutive day major flash floods occurred from the Piute Fire burned area in Erskine Canyon. Up to 80 homes were evacuated in the Erskine Canyon area and two families were helicopter rescued from their homes. A family of 2 adults, 1 children and a dog were airlifted from their roof by Kern County Fire Crews and a second family of 2 adults, 2 children, and a dog were airlifted from their property as it became an island surrounded by mud and debris flows. Mud and debris flows also occurred in the Kelso Valley area between Kelso Creek and Bob Rabbit Road.
• Primary concerns for firefighter safety include unknown road conditions due to yesterday’s flash flood, trees weakened by soil movement due to the flood, and potential thunderstorms and associated erratic winds.
• California Incident Management Team 2 (Bill Molumby) took control of the Piute Fire at 6 AM today in relief of Pacific Northwest Team 2 (Chris Hoff). Kern County (John Hayes) and CALFIRE (Ted VanDevort) Incident Commanders remain in place as part of the Unified Command for the Piute Fire. Command teams are generally assigned for a two week period to allow for required rest cycles.
• For anyone that may need assistance from the Red Cross due to the Piute Fire and associated flood events, please contact them at (661) 324-6427 or (800) 498-4882.

FIRE STATUS
Between 1 and 3 inches of rain fell across the Piute Fire area yesterday. As a result, fire activity has been minimal. Fire crews will be assessing roads for access into the fire today following yesterdays flash flood event. Infrared flight equipment will be used today over the fire area today to determine where remaining hot spots may exist. Rehabilitation of fire suppression impacts will begin on controlled sections of fire line as access permits.

Red Cross Evacuation Shelter
The shelter at the Kern Valley Senior Center, 6409 Lake Isabella Blvd, was utilized for flood victims last night and is in standby status at this time.

Existing Closures and Road Status
On July 1, the Forest Service implemented a Piute Fire Area Closure. This area includes all access points west of the Pacific Crest Trail. BLM closures include Nichols Peak, Bright Star Wilderness Area, Cortez Canyon, Dry Canyon, Jawbone Canyon and Lynch Canyon, Piute Mountain Road, Saddle Springs Road, Erskine Creek Road and all routes of travel west of the Pacific Crest Trail, are now closed to off highway vehicles (OHV). Other road closures include McCray Road from the end of the pavement south, and Fawn Drive from the end of the pavement south. There is an area closure in effect for the Piute Mountains from Piute Mountain Road at Caliente Creek Road; Jawbone Canyon Road south of Piute Mountain Road; Roads 29S02 and 29S03 and Erskine Creek Road at pavement.

WEATHER
Partly cloudy with a chance of showers or thunderstorms (50%) in the afternoon. Locally heavy rain and flash flood warnings will be possible again today. Temperatures range from 75-82 on the ridge tops to 90-97 in the valleys. Relative humidity will be 30 to 40% across the area. Valley winds will be 1-3 mph becoming slope driven 4-6 mph in the afternoon. Ridge top winds will be east to southeast 4-8 mph becoming northwest late in the afternoon.

COOPERATING AGENCIES & PARTNERS
California Incident Management Team 2, US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Kern County Fire Department, Kern County Sheriff, and Kern County Office of Emergency Services, CALFIRE, California Highway Patrol and the Kern County Animal Control, and Office of Emergency Services Fire and Rescue.

UPDATE # 52 (July 13, 2008 at 8:00 PM)

FLASH FLOOD VIDEOS AND PHOTOS

Lake Isabella Flash Flood Photos - .Mac Gallery
Lake Isabella Flash Flood Videos - .Mac Gallery | YouTube

UPDATE # 51 (July 13, 2008 at 6:00 PM)

FLASH FLOOD WARNING AND RECOMMENDED EVACUATION NOTICE (July 13, 2008 at 5:45 p.m)

RECOMMENDED EVACUATION ISSUED JULY 13, 2008 AT 5:45 P.M. (View PDF)

A FLASH FLOOD WARNING HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR ERSKINE CREEK TOWARDS KERN VALLEY.

A RECOMMENDED EVACUATION IS BEING ISSUED FOR ALL RESIDENCES IN LAKE ISABELLA ON BOTH SIDES OF ERSKINE CREEK BLVD FROM THE MOUTH OF ERSKINE CREEK AT THE PAVEMENT’S END TO THE KERN RIVER.

EXPECTED MUDFLOW TO CROSS OVER LAKE ISABELLA BLVD BETWEEN BODFISH AND LAKE ISABELLA.

POSSIBLE FLASH FLOOD ON KELSO VALLEY ROAD FROM PIUTE MOUNTAIN RD TO HWY 178 AND KELSO CREEK ROAD NORTH OF KELSO VALLEY ROAD.

This notice made on recommendation from Piute Fire Unified Command in cooperation with the Kern County Sheriff’s Department and Kern County OES.

Residents are advised to leave the area immediately. This will be the last warning given. The Red Cross Shelter at Kern River Valley Senior Center, 6409 Lake Isabella Blvd, has been activated.

General Flood Safety Information / Preparedness Links
National Weather Service - Weather Alert / Flood Warning
Kern County Flood PSA - Kern County's Response To Flood Danger
Ready.gov - Flood Information / Preparedness
Floodsmart.gov - Flood Scenarios / Information
Weather Underground - Radar and General Weather Updates

UPDATE # 50 (July 13, 2008 at 10:00 AM)

Piute Fire Update July 13, 2008 at 8:00 AM

Percent Containment: 46 Percent
Total Acres Burned: 37,026
Cost to Date: $20,700,000
Structures Threatened: 1,432
Total Personnel: 1,598

WHAT’S NEW & EVENTS
• A total of 59 firefighters were unable to return to the Incident Command Post (ICP) last evening due to a flash flood in Erskine Creek. The firefighters took refuge on higher ground in three separate locations; all personnel are safe and accounted for. Today, the stranded firefighters are working on the damaged road in an effort to return to ICP. The entire fire area remains under a flash flood warning through this evening.
• Primary concerns for firefighter safety include unknown road conditions due to yesterday’s flash flood, trees weakened by soil movement due to the flood, and potential thunderstorms and associated erratic winds.
• Today is a transition day between the Pacific Northwest Team 2 (Chris Hoff) and California Team 2 (Bill Molumby). Team counterparts are working closely with one another to facilitate a smooth transition. Kern County (John Hayes) and CALFIRE (Ted VanDevort) Incident Commanders remain in place as part of the Unified Command for the Piute Fire.
• A Student Conservation Association (SCA) fire prevention and education team, sponsored by the Bureau of Land Management and in conjunction with the Forest Service and Piute Fire Unified Command, is providing community education regarding fire prevention and defensible space. The team is stationed in Bodfish at the Ace Hardware store and at James Market between Mt. Mesa and South Lake today. Any homeowner in Kern River Valley who is interested in a Special Home Ignition Zone Assessment may contact CSA team leader Ashley Thrasher at (208)608-6329. The SCA team will remain in place through August.
• For anyone that may need assistance from the Red Cross due to the Piute Fire, please contact them at (661) 324-6427 or (800) 498-4882.

FIRE STATUS
Firefighters will hold and mop up completed line on the southwest and west flanks of the fire. Line construction and burnout operations may take place on the north flank. Crews will continue to hold and mop up fire lines on the east and south flanks. Structure protection remains in place for potentially threatened areas in French Meadows, Thompson Canyon, Claraville, Valley View, Erskine Creek and Red Mountain. Night operations crews continue with mop up, structure protection and patrol.

Red Cross Evacuation Shelter
The shelter at the Kern Valley Senior Center, 6409 Lake Isabella Blvd, is in standby status at this time.

Existing Closures and Road Status
On July 1, the Forest Service implemented a Piute Fire Area Closure. This area includes all access points west of the Pacific Crest Trail. BLM closures include Nichols Peak, Bright Star Wilderness Area, Cortez Canyon, Dry Canyon, Jawbone Canyon and Lynch Canyon, Piute Mountain Road, Saddle Springs Road, Erskine Creek Road and all routes of travel west of the Pacific Crest Trail, are now closed to off highway vehicles (OHV). Other road closures include McCray Road from the end of the pavement south, and Fawn Drive from the end of the pavement south. There is an area closure in effect for the Piute Mountains from Piute Mountain Road at Caliente Creek Road; Jawbone Canyon Road south of Piute Mountain Road; Roads 29S02 and 29S03 and Erskine Creek Road at pavement.

WEATHER
Partly cloudy with a chance of showers or thunderstorms (30%) in the afternoon. Temperatures will be 70-80 on the ridges and 90-95 in the valleys with relative humidities up and ranging from 30 to 40%. Ridgetop winds 1-3 mph in the morning, then becoming terrain driven 4-6 mph. Predominant westerly winds delayed until after 2:00 pm.

COOPERATING AGENCIES & PARTNERS
National Incident Management Team 2, US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Kern County Fire Department, Kern County Sheriff, and Kern County Office of Emergency Services, CALFIRE, California Highway Patrol and the Kern County Animal Control, and Office of Emergency Services Fire and Rescue.

UPDATE # 49 (July 12, 2008 at 10:45 PM)

FLASH FLOOD WARNING AND RECOMMENDED EVACUATION NOTICE LIFTED

RECOMMENDED EVACUATION ISSUED JULY 12, 2008 AT 6:00 P.M. HAS BEEN LIFTED(View PDF)

The recommended evacuation that was issued for all residences in Lake Isabella on both sides of Erskine Creek Blvd from the mouth of Erskine Creek at the pavement's end to the Kern River has been lifted.

There is a road closure related to the flood in effect for Lake Isabella Blvd between Elizabeth Norris Road and Edith Street.

Caliente/Bodfish Road at Clear Creek is open but residents must use extreme caution because of mud on the roadbed.

Residents returning to evacuated areas are advised to proceed with caution as other road conditions are unknown at this time.

UPDATE # 48 (July 12, 2008 at 9:00 PM)

Kern County's Response to Flood Danger

Click here to read a joint flyer released by the County of Kern, Kern County Fire Department and Kern County Sheriff's Office regarding flood safety and preparedness.

UPDATE # 47 (July 12, 2008 at 6:25 PM)

FLASH FLOOD WARNING AND RECOMMENDED EVACUATION NOTICE (July 12, 2008 at 6:25 p.m)

RECOMMENDED EVACUATION ISSUED JULY 12, 2008 AT 6:00 P.M. (View PDF)

A FLASH FLOOD IS CURRENTLY PROGRESSING DOWN ERSKINE CREEK TOWARDS KERN VALLEY.

A RECOMMENDED EVACUATION IS BEING ISSUED FOR ALL RESIDENCES IN LAKE ISABELLA ON BOTH SIDES OF ERSKINE CREEK BLVD FROM THE MOUTH OF ERSKINE CREEK AT THE PAVEMENT’S END TO THE KERN RIVER.

EXPECTED MUDFLOW TO CROSS OVER HWY 178 BETWEEN BODFISH AND LAKE ISABELLA

POSSIBLE FLASH FLOOD ON KELSO VALLEY ROAD FROM PIUTE MOUNTAIN RD TO HWY 178

This notice made on recommendation from Piute Fire Unified Command in cooperation with the Kern County Sheriff’s Department and Kern County OES.

Residents are advised to leave the area immediately. This will be the last warning given.


RESIDENTS AFFECTED BY THE EVACUATION NOTICE ARE ADVISED TO: (View PDF)
1) Drive up Bodfish Road to higher ground
2) Take Old Kern Canyon Road to Borel Road. Take Borel Road to Hwy 178 back into Lake Isabella. Take the 155 exit. This will get you back to the side of Lake Isabella where the shelter is located.

The shelter is open and located at the Kern River Valley Senior Center, 6409 Lake Isabella Blvd.

General Flood Safety Information / Preparedness Links 
National Weather Service - Weather Alert / Flood Warning
Kern County Flood PSA - Kern County's Response To Flood Danger
Ready.gov - Flood Information / Preparedness
Floodsmart.gov - Flood Scenarios / Information
Weather Underground - Radar and General Weather Updates

UPDATE # 46 (July 12, 2008 at 9:45 AM)

Piute Fire Update July 12, 2008 at 8:00 AM

Percent Containment: 44 Percent
Total Acres Burned: 35,076
Cost to Date: $18,650,000
Structures Threatened: 1,432
Total Personnel: 1,624

WHAT’S NEW & EVENTS
• A public meeting is scheduled for tonight, Saturday, July 12, at 7:00 p.m. at the Kern River Valley Senior Center, transitioning the Pacific Northwest Interagency Incident Management Team to California Incident Management Team 2 (Incident Commander Bill Molumby).
• Piute fire personnel have worked 188,365 hours and constructed 28.3 miles of hand line and 56.3 miles of mechanical line.
• Burning operations will continue in the Erskine Creek drainage and the Thompson Canyon areas.
• A Student Conservation Association team, sponsored by the Bureau of Land Management, is working in conjunction with the Forest Service and Piute Fire Unified Command to provide community education regarding fire prevention and defensible space in the Bodfish and Mountain Mesa areas. Homeowners interested in a Special Home Ignition Zone Assessment may contact CSA team leader Ashley Thrasher at (208) 608-6329.
• For anyone that may need assistance from the Red Cross due to the Piute Fire, please contact them at (661) 324 - 6427 or (800) 498 -4882.

FIRE STATUS
Yesterday, the fire was active in the Middle Fork of Erskine Creek and north of Liebel Peak. Firefighters burned out from constructed hand line in the Cortez Canyon area and Thompson Canyon areas. Crews continued to build and improve lines on the northern and western flanks. Burnout operations will continue today for the Erskine Creek drainage and the Thompson Canyon area utilizing aerial ignition. Crews are focusing on mop up efforts on the eastern and southern flanks of the fire. Concerns for firefighter safety include complex air operations and firefighter fatigue. Potential thunderstorms and associated winds could produce additional hazards including slick roads, isolated flash flooding, falling trees, the potential for quick changes in fire behavior.

Red Cross Evacuation Shelter
The shelter at the Kern Valley Senior Center, 6409 Lake Isabella Blvd, is in standby status at this time.

Existing Closures and Road Status
On July 1, the Forest Service implemented a Piute Fire Area Closure. This area includes all access points west of the Pacific Crest Trail. BLM closures include Nichols Peak, Bright Star Wilderness Area, Cortez Canyon, Dry Canyon, Jawbone Canyon and Lynch Canyon, Piute Mountain Road, Saddle Springs Road, Erskine Creek Road and all routes of travel west of the Pacific Crest Trail, are now closed to off highway vehicles (OHV). Other road closures include McCray Road from the end of the pavement south, and Fawn Drive from the end of the pavement south. There is an area closure in effect for the Piute Mountains from Piute Mountain Road at Caliente Creek Road; Jawbone Canyon Road south of Piute Mountain Road; Roads 29S02 and 29S03 and Erskine Creek Road at pavement.

WEATHER
Partly cloudy with a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Temperatures will be 75-85 in the ridges and 91-97 in the valleys with relative humidities ranging from 15 to 25%. Winds are predicted to be southeast from 4-7 mph changing to west- northwest after 4:00 pm. There is an increasing chance of thunderstorms through the weekend which may result in slightly cooler temperatures and higher humidities.

COOPERATING AGENCIES & PARTNERS
National Incident Management Team 2, US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Kern County Fire Department, Kern County Sheriff, and Kern County Office of Emergency Services, CALFIRE, California Highway Patrol and the Kern County Animal Control, and Office of Emergency Services Fire and Rescue.

UPDATE # 45 (July 11, 2008 at 11:00 AM)

Piute Fire Update July 11, 2008 at 9:00 AM

Percent Containment: 32 Percent
Total Acres Burned: 34,852
Cost to Date: $17,250,000
Structures Threatened: 1,432
Total Personnel: 1,581

WHAT’S NEW & EVENTS
• The most current assessment of property damage shows an additional 35 outbuildings damaged or destroyed by the fire. The outbuildings are associated with historic mining activity in the Alaska Flat area.
• Due to firefighter success in establishing a strong control line in the southwest flank of the fire, the recommended evacuation for the Caliente/Bodfish Road ( County Road 483) from the intersection of Saddle Springs Road at Hooper Hill south to the to the Piute Meadows Trading post (about 9 miles) was lifted at 3:30 pm yesterday. The other evacuations for Thompson Canyon, Valley View, Red Mountain Estates, Claraville and Liebel Ranch are still in place.
• A public meeting is scheduled for Saturday, July 12, at 7:00 p.m. at the Kern River Valley Senior Citizen Center, transitioning the Pacific Northwest Interagency Incident Management Team to California Incident Management Team 2 (Incident Commander Bill Molumby). (View PDF)
• As of 6:00 am July 10, the Piute Fire is being managed under a Unified Command between the Pacific Northwest Interagency Incident Management Team (Incident Commander Chris Hoff), Kern County Fire Department (Incident Commander John Hayes) and CALFIRE (Incident Commander Ted Van DeVort).
• Contingency lines have been completed around Havilah, Squirrel Mountain, Bella Vista, and South Lake.

FIRE STATUS
Concerns for firefighter safety include complex air operations, potential thunderstorms and associated winds, falling trees, the potential for quick changes in fire behavior and firefighter fatigue. Crews continued to build and improve lines on the northern and western flanks. Burnout operations may take place in several areas of the fire today, including the Erskine Creek drainage and the Thompson Canyon area. The increase in containment percentage came from the eastern flank where the fire has not moved significantly over the last few days.

Red Cross Evacuation Shelter
The shelter at the Kern Valley Senior Center, 6409 Lake Isabella Blvd, is in standby status at this time.

Existing Closures and Road Status
On July 1, the Forest Service implemented a Piute Fire Area Closure. This area includes all access points west of the Pacific Crest Trail. BLM closures include Nichols Peak, Bright Star Wilderness Area, Cortez Canyon, Dry Canyon, Jawbone Canyon and Lynch Canyon, Piute Mountain Road, Saddle Springs Road, Erskine Creek Road and all routes of travel west of the Pacific Crest Trail, are now closed to off highway vehicles (OHV). Other road closures include McCray Road from the end of the pavement south, and Fawn Drive from the end of the pavement south. There is an area closure in effect for the Piute Mountains from Piute Mountain Road at Caliente Creek Road; Jawbone Canyon Road south of Piute Mountain Road; Roads 29S02 and 29S03 and Erskine Creek Road at pavement.

WEATHER
Mostly sunny with increasing cloud cover by afternoon; dry and continued hot. Temperatures will be 70-80 on the highest ridges and 90-100 in the valleys with minimum humidities at 12-20% with 20% chance of thunderstorms. Southwest to west winds predicted from 4-8 mph. Increasing chance of thunderstorms through the weekend.

COOPERATING AGENCIES & PARTNERS
National Incident Management Team 2, US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Kern County Fire Department, Kern County Sheriff, and Kern County Office of Emergency Services, CALFIRE, California Highway Patrol and the Kern County Animal Control, and Office of Emergency Services Fire and Rescue.

UPDATE # 44 (July 10, 2008 at 8:00 PM)

EVACUATION NOTICE & PROCEDURES (View PDF)

The recommended evacuation has been LIFTED for the Caliente/Bodfish Road (County Road 483) from the intersection of Saddle Springs Road at Hooper Hill South to the Piute Meadows Trading Post.

Other areas remaining in Precautionary Evacuation Status
Thompson Canyon in Walker Basin

Areas Currently Under Recommended Evacuation
Valley View (off Saddle Springs Road), Red Mountain Estates, Claraville and Liebel Ranch.

UPDATE # 43 (July 10, 2008 at 10:30 AM)

Piute Fire Update July 10, 2008 at 9:00 AM

Percent Containment: 28 Percent
Total Acres Burned: 33,922
Cost to Date: $15,800,000
Structures Threatened: 1,432
Total Personnel: 1,547

WHAT’S NEW & EVENTS
• As of 6:00 am this morning, the Piute Fire is being managed under a Unified Command between the Pacific Northwest Interagency Incident Management Team (Incident Commander Chris Hoff), Kern County Fire Department (Incident Commander John Hayes) and CALFIRE (Incident Commander Ted Van DeVort).
• Contingency lines have been completed around Havilah, Squirrel Mountain, Bella Vista, and South Lake; the contingency line around Bodfish is not yet complete due to the rugged terrain.
• Current assessments indicate five residences, four outbuildings, five vehicles, a trailer and one private bulldozer were either damaged or destroyed by the fire’s run south of King Solomons Ridge.
• Summer school students from Woodrow Wallace grades K-8 will be visiting the Incident Command Post today.

FIRE STATUS
Yesterday, the fire was active in the northeast corner near Cortez Canyon and Dry Meadow. Crews continue to work on establishing a northern control line in the Erskine Creek and the Bob Rabbit Canyon areas utilizing hand crews supported by retardant drops; indirect control line on the northeast corner has been completed. Dozers and hand crews have completed the control line on the western edge of the fire and will conduct a small burnout operation today. Firefighters have made excellent progress with direct control efforts on the eastern perimeter near Kelso Valley. There were no smokes visible on the south flank of the fire yesterday; crews plan to burnout a small piece of line along Piute Mountain Road today. Ground crews are well supported by aerial resources with water bucket and retardant drops; in addition to the six assigned helicopters, eleven air tankers are on order today. Concerns for firefighter safety include complex air operations, extreme temperatures and the potential for quick changes in fire behavior.

Red Cross Evacuation Shelter
The shelter at the Kern Valley Senior Center, 6409 Lake Isabella Blvd, is currently in standby status but can be quickly activated as needed. Individuals who require additional time to evacuate and those who have large animals are urged to consider beginning the evacuation process early.

Existing Closures and Road Status
On July 1, the Forest Service implemented a Piute Fire Area Closure. This area includes all access points west of the Pacific Crest Trail. BLM closures include Nichols Peak, Bright Star Wilderness Area, Cortez Canyon, Dry Canyon, Jawbone Canyon and Lynch Canyon, Piute Mountain Road, Saddle Springs Road, Erskine Creek Road and all routes of travel west of the Pacific Crest Trail, are now closed to off highway vehicles (OHV). Other road closures include McCray Road from the end of the pavement south, and Fawn Drive from the end of the pavement south. Further information may be obtained at 661-391-6005. There is an area closure in effect for the Piute Mountains from Piute Mountain Road at Caliente Creek Road; Saddle Springs Road at Caliente/Bodfish Road; Jawbone Canyon Road south of Piute Mountain Road; Roads 29S02 and 29S03 and Erskine Creek Road at pavement.

WEATHER
Sunny, dry and continued hot. Temperatures 80-90 highest ridges on the fire and 95-105 in the valleys with minimum humidities 7-15%. No thunderstorms are expected; however, some cumulus cloud buildup with a slight chance of showers possible.

COOPERATING AGENCIES & PARTNERS
National Incident Management Team 2, US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Kern County Fire Department, Kern County Sheriff, and Kern County Office of Emergency Services, CALFIRE, California Highway Patrol and the Kern County Animal Control, and Office of Emergency Services Fire and Rescue.

UPDATE # 42 (July 9, 2008 at 11:30 PM)

Piute Fire Update July 9, 2008 at 9:00 PM

Percent Containment: 28 Percent
Total Acres Burned: 33,922
Cost to Date: $15,800,000
Structures Threatened: 1,432
Total Personnel: 1,555

UPDATE # 41 (July 9, 2008 at 2:45 PM)

The American Red Cross is reaching out to families affected by the recent fires in the Piute Mountain area. Any families in need of evacuation assistance especially those who have a member on military active duty are urged to call the American Red Cross 1-800-951-5600 or the Kern Chapter 661-324-6427. The shelter at Lake Isabella Senior Center will be stocked with supplies and monitored by a Red Cross and Salvation Army Volunteer's until it is no longer needed by the community. Additional sites are waiting activation should the need arise. The Red Cross is urging citizens to seek safety and shelter as needed until the emergency evacuations are lifted. Members of the community affected with a lose due to the fires should immediately notify the Red Cross for additional assistance. For more information contact the Kern Chapter of the American Red Cross 1(800) 498-4882 or (661) 324-6427. After hours number is 1-800-951-5600.

UPDATE # 40 (July 9, 2008 at 12:30 PM)

Piute Fire Update July 9, 2008 at 9:00 AM

Percent Containment: 28 Percent
Total Acres Burned: 33,152
Cost to Date: $13,100,000
Structures Threatened: 1,432
Total Personnel: 1,426

WHAT’S NEW & EVENTS
• Current assessments indicate five residences, four out buildings, 5 vehicles, a trailer and one private bulldozer were either damaged or destroyed by the fire’s run south of King Solomons Ridge.
• A public meeting was held last night at 7:00 pm in Lake Isabella with 150 local residents in attendance. Topics of community interest included public safety, evacuation procedures, and location and activity of the fire. The audience expressed their appreciation for the firefighters’ hard work.
• An additional 250 resources have arrived in the last 24 hours to assist in support of structure protection and fire suppression efforts
• The control line objective on the south flank of the fire has changed to include keeping the fire north of Walker Basin Road and Piute Mountain Road.

FIRE STATUS
The fire was less active yesterday and during the night due to lighter winds and higher humidities. Crews continued to make progress in the Red Mountain area south of King Solomons Ridge overnight and will continue working to complete fire line around this area today. Fire continues to be active on the northern and western perimeters and crews are working on establishing a control line on the north and tying in hand and dozer lines on the west. Steep terrain is making control efforts difficult on the western and northern portion of the fire. Dozers and crews are making progress on constructing fire lines around the communities to the north and west of the fire. A few hot spots continue to smolder on the eastern and southern flanks of the fire.