CA-CND-Key - Kern County, #WildFire - 151 acres 75% contained

Key CA-CND-1459 Wildland Fire

KEY FIRE UPDATE #3
Keysville – CA, On June 5th, 2011 at approximately 3:20 p.m., the Kern County Fire, Bureau of Land Management and US Forest Service responded to the report of a wildland fire near the intersection of Hwy 155 and 3 miles south on Keysville Road near the town of Lake Isabella.

The Key Fire is confirmed by GPS mapping to be 151 acres and is now 75% contained.
Fire crews have been continuing to fight the Key Fire which is in very steep terrain that can only be accessed by foot or air. The fire is burning in heavy grass and timber. Approximately 300 firefighters are assigned to the fire. Helicopters have continued to support ground crews as they bring this fire under control and mop up inside the constructed fireline. Evacuations have been lifted and the shelter in Lake Isabella is closed.

The fire is currently under investigation and there have been no reported injuries today.

Key Fire Update #2

KEYSVILLE– CA, Monday June 6th 2011, the Kern County Fire Department, US Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management responded to a Wildland Fire in the area of Keysville, approximately 1 mile west of Hwy 155. Approximately 250 firefighters fought the fire.

This fire continues to be under investigation by Law Enforcement Officers from the Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service.

Investigators are requesting help from the public in identifying a small white pick up truck carrying an orange KTM and blue Yamaha dirt bikes. The vehicle was seen leaving the area at around the time the fire was reported.

Anyone with information should contact 1-877 FIRETIP Information can be left anonymously.

Key Fire Update #1

Keysville – CA, On June 5, 2011 at approximately 3:20 p.m., the Kern County Fire Department responded to a report of a wildland fire near the intersection of Hwy 155 and 3 miles south on Keysville Road near the town of Lake Isabella, CA. Upon arrival crews were faced with a fast moving fire. The wind driven fire is in an area of very steep terrain that can only be accessed by foot or by air. The fire is a combination of heavy grass and timber.
300 firefighters from Kern County Fire Department, Bureau of Land Management, and US Forest Service responded to the incident. Three water dropping helicopters, three air tankers, air attack 490 from Kern County Fire Department, five crews, 11 fire engines, and two dozers are being utilized. The Kern County Sheriffs Department and California Highway Patrol is currently assisting in evacuations and traffic control.
A concern to the safety of the fire crews are the hundreds of abandoned gold mines that are dotted throughout the fire area. Another concern to firefighting is the weather. A recommended evacuation has been ordered for the community of Dutch Flat and the Pioneer Point camp area approximately 1 ½ miles from the fire. KCFD is providing structure protection to these areas. No reported structures have been destroyed at this time and measures are in place to protect many historical buildings in this area. One firefighter suffered minor injuries battling the fire. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Location: N/O Community of Keysville, Kern County
BLM DPA
Start Time:1519 Hrs.
Weather: 70°F · RH: 53% Wind: 14 mph WNW Status: 160 acres, 0 % contained in Timber (grass and understory),Grass/brush (continuous)
Rapid rate of spread wind driven on a ridge top with limited access.
Evacuations: Evacuation center has been established
at the Kern River Valley Senior Center 6403 Lake Isabella Blvd Lake Isabella, CA 93240
Threats: 20 structures, 10 outbuildings and the
Keysville mine and archeological sites.
Closures: Keysville Road is closed.
Breckenridge webcam: http://sierrafire.cr.usgs.gov/camHis...lastFrame=true
For more information: 661-330-0133