NEWS - Fire investigators suspect ATV riders caused 'White Fire'

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Credit: Greg Loskorn

Tehachapi News:

Fire investigators reported today that the White Fire was determined to have been caused by off road vehicle riders, in the area of Twin Oaks, 20 miles northwest of Rosamond. CAL Fire representatives said investigators have ruled out the possibility of an electrical short or lightning, using the phrase "human caused," however, investigators are not yet able to determine to whether the fire was caused by neglicence, accident or if it was intentionally lit.

“All Terrain Vehicles (ATV's) were seen leaving the area shortly after the fire was reported. According to investigators, the fire origin is located in a remote area of White Oak Canyon that is frequented by off road vehicles,” stated a CAL Fire release.

The blaze is now 60 percent contained, with 12 residences, six outbuildings and 11,400 acres destroyed. Damage inspection is ongoing with Kern County building and safety officials.

More than 1,600 firefighting personnel are still working round the clock to contain the blaze, at an estimated cost of $3,550,000.

“Winds surfaced as predicted last night and gusted to over 50 miles per hour. Fire behavior was extreme in the Oak Creek Canyon area again overnight,” stated the most recent CAL Fire release.

As many as 25 homes remain directly threatened and an evacuation order is still in place for the Oak Creek Canyon area.

CAL Fire reports that the western section of the fire will require additional resources today to help contain a 100 acre “slopover” that occurred last night.

While CAL Fire reports that the fire is currently holding south of Horse and Oak Creek Canyons, additional equipment and crews have been assigned to the Blackburn Canyon area where more than 100 structures remain at risk.

Anyone with information regarding the ATV riders known to have been in the area on Sunday morning, June 24, is asked to call the Kern County Fire Department's “Fire Tip Hotline” at 1-877-397-3847.

CAL Fire also wants to remind rural area residents to create and maintain 100 feet of defensible space between buildings and any vegetation. Fire hazard reduction work should be done before 10 a.m. when higher humidity levels can help reduce the possibility of igniting sparks in areas containing dry brush or foliage.