Skip to content
Help support CapRadio’s local public service mission 
and enrich the lives in your community.
Support local nonprofit public media.
Donate Now

View thank you gift options

CapRadio

CapRadio

listen live donate
listen live donate
listen live
donate
  • News
    • News

    • State Government
    • Environment
    • Health Care
    • Race and Equity
    • Business
    • Arts and Lifestyle
    • Food and Sustainability
    • PolitiFact California
    News
    • News

    • State Government
    • Environment
    • Health Care
    • Race and Equity
    • Business
    • Arts and Lifestyle
    • Food and Sustainability
    • PolitiFact California
  • Music
    • Music

    • Classical
    • Jazz
    • Eclectic

    • Daily Playlist
    Music
    • Music

    • Classical
    • Jazz
    • Eclectic

    • Daily Playlist
  • Podcasts & Shows
  • Schedules
  • Events
  • Support
    • Support
    • Ways to support
    • Evergreen Donation
    • One-Time Donation
    • Corporate Sponsorship
    • Vehicle Donation
    • Stock Giving
    • Legacy Giving
    • Endowment Support
    • Members
    • Member Benefits
    • Member FAQ
    • Member Newsletter

    • Fund drives
    • Drawing Winners
    • Thank You Gifts
    Support
    • Support
    • Ways to support
    • Evergreen Donation
    • One-Time Donation
    • Corporate Sponsorship
    • Vehicle Donation
    • Stock Giving
    • Legacy Giving
    • Endowment Support
    • Members
    • Member Benefits
    • Member FAQ
    • Member Newsletter

    • Fund drives
    • Drawing Winners
    • Thank You Gifts
  • About
  • Close Menu
 We Get Support From:
Become a Supporter 
 We Get Support From:
Become a Supporter 
  • Environment
  • State Government
  •  

Central California Fire Burns Structures, Spurs Evacuation

  •  Ed Joyce 
Friday, June 24, 2016 | Sacramento, CA
@BLMca / Twitter
 

@BLMca / Twitter

  • Monday Update: Battle To Contain Erskine Fire In Kern County Continues
  • Inciweb: Erskine Fire

UPDATE 7:45 p.m.

The Erskine Fire was 40 percent contained Sunday evening at 43,460 acres. Fire managers say more than 250 structures have been destroyed and an additional 75 damaged.

The InciWeb update says "a damage inspection team is in the process of creating a comprehensive report documenting all structures damaged or destroyed."

More than 2,079 firefighters are working to contain the wildfire. Two people have been killed.

062616 Erskine Fire - KCFD-Inciweb

The Erskine Fire near Lake Isabella in Kern County has destroyed more than 250 homes and burned 43,460 acres since it started on June 23.  InciWeb / Courtesy

 

UPDATE 4 p.m.

The fire is 10 percent contained at 36,810 acres. More than 1,712 firefighters are working to contain the fire in 90 degree temperatures and low humidity.

Fire officials say more than 200 structures have been destroyed and 75 additional structures are damaged. Two people have died in the fire and officials say "additional fatalities are possible due to the extreme fire behavior during the initial hours of the incident."

The Los Angeles Times reported Sunday that "authorities believe the couple died of smoke inhalation after waves of fire, smoke and embers invaded their neighborhood on Thursday." Their names have not been released by the Kern County Coroner.

The cause of the Erskine Fire is under investigation.

 

UPDATE June 26 7:30 a.m.

  • Fire increases to 36,810 acres and is 10 percent contained
  • More than 1,712 personnel are working to contain the fire
  • Evacuation areas: Hwy 178 to Kelso Valley to Paiute, Bella Vista, South Fork, Weldon, Onyx, Lakeland Estates, Mountain Mesa, South Lake, Squirrel Valley, and Yankee Canyon

Shelters: The American Red Cross of Kern County has two shelters open for residents affected by the fire.

  1. St. Jude's Catholic Church 86 Nellie Dent Dr. Wofford Heights
  2. Kernville Elementary School 13350 Sierra Way Kernville

The Red Cross Safe & Well site is available for those looking for loved ones affected by evacuations: https://safeandwell.communityos.org/cms/index.php

  • Road Closures: Hwy 178 is closed at Hwy 155 and at Sierra Way
  • Recreation Closures: The Pacific Crest Trail is closed from Walker Basin Campground to Jawbone Canyon Road
  • Damage Assessment: At least 150 homes have been destroyed and an additional 75 damaged. A damage inspection team is in the process of creating a comprehensive report documenting all structures damaged or destroyed

The Erskine started on BLM managed public lands at the junction of Erskine Creek Road and Apollo Way at approximately 3:51 p.m. June 23. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

The Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, Kern County Sheriffs Office and Kern County Fire District are in unified command. Many other agencies are assisting, including Cal Fire, Red Cross, Caltrans, animal control, and law enforcement from local, county, state, and federal agencies.

062616 Erskine Fire - KCFD

The Erskine Fire near Lake Isabella in Kern County has destroyed more than 150 homes and burned 36,810 acres since it started on June 23.  Kern County Fire Department / Facebook

 


UPDATE June 25 4 p.m.

  • Fire grows to 35,700 acres on June 25. Officials say 150 homes have been destroyed, another 75 damaged.
  • Evacuation areas: Hwy 178 to Kelso Valley to Paiute, Bella Vista, South Fork, Weldon, Onyx, Lakeland Estates, Mountain Mesa, South Lake, Squirrel Valley, and Yankee Canyon.
  • Shelters: The American Red Cross of Kern County has two shelters open for residents affected by the fire.

    1. St. Jude's Catholic Church 86 Nellie Dent Dr. Wofford Heights
    2. Kernville Elementary School
      13350 Sierra Way Kernville
  • Road Closures: Hwy 178 is closed at Hwy 155 and at Sierra Way.
  • Recreation Closures: The Pacific Crest Trail is closed from Walker Basin Campground to Jawbone Canyon Road.
  • The Erskine started on BLM managed public lands at the junction of Erskine Creek Road and Apollo Way at approximately 3:51 p.m. June 23. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

UPDATE 9:30 p.m.  The Erskine Fire near Lake Isabella in Kern County has grown to 30,000 acres and is 5 percent contained. 

The National Interagency Fire Center update says the Pacific Crest Trail is closed from Walker Basin Campground to Jawbone Canyon Road.

Since the fire started, 100 structures have been destroyed and 1,500 are threatened. The Kern County Fire Department says two Lake Isabella residents were killed in the fire trying to escape it.

"Residents in the Lake Isabella and Erskine Creek area should prepare for possible evacuation," according to the NIFC update. "Additional evacuation information will be posted when it is available.

"Evacuations remain in effect for Bella Vista, South Fork, Weldon, Onyx, Lakeland Estates, Mountain Mesa, South Lake, Squirrel Valley, and Yankee Canyon. Hwy 178 is closed at Hwy 155 and at Sierra Way. Kernville Elementary School is now the primary shelter for evacuees. There are approximately 125 evacuees at the elementary school." 

Three firefighters have suffered smoke inhalation injuries.

Fire officials say the fire started on BLM managed public lands at the junction of Erskine Creek Road and Apollo Way at approximately 3:51 p.m. Thursday, June 23.

The cause of the fire is under investigation. 

The Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, and Kern County Fire District are in unified command. Many other agencies are assisting, including CalFire, Red Cross, Caltrans, animal control, and law enforcement from local, county, state, and federal agencies.

062416 Cal Fire Map

Cal Fire reported on June 24 that more than 4,500 firefighters were working to contain six large wildfires in California, covering more than 30,000 acres.

 


 UPDATE 6:30 p.m. (AP) — Authorities say two people who died in a central California wildfire were trying to flee when they were killed.

Kern County Sheriff Donny Youngblood said at a news conference Friday that the two were outside of their house and overcome with smoke when they died in the massive blaze in the Lake Isabella area.

He released no further details on the two dead.

Youngblood said his department hasn't been able to search very extensively and would be looking through burned homes with cadaver dogs seeking more possible victims.

County fire officials say the blaze has grown to nearly 47 square miles since breaking out Thursday and is still burning out of control.

It has destroyed 80 homes and forced the evacuation of 1,500 more.


UPDATE 2:05 p.m. (AP) - Governor Jerry Brown declared a State of Emergency for Kern County due to the Erskine Fire near Lake Isabella.

A wildfire that has destroyed 80 homes and killed two people has prompted Gov. Jerry Brown to declare a state of emergency in Central California.

The proclamation issued Friday frees up money and resources for the firefight and the aftermath of the blaze.

It also temporarily suspends some state regulations and waives fees as a way to ease the return of evacuees and those who have lost homes.

Brown's statement offers condolences to those affected by the fire and commends the courage of firefighters.

The blaze began Thursday and quickly tore through rural neighborhoods near Lake Isabella northeast of Bakersfield.

Some 1,500 homes are under evacuation orders.


UPDATE 1:15 p.m. (AP) - Authorities say a wildfire roaring through mountain communities in central California has killed two people.

Kern County fire spokesman Phil Neufeld says Friday that two residents were found dead in Lake Isabella, a popular recreation area east of Bakersfield.

No other details are immediately available.

The wind-whipped fire has destroyed 80 homes in the southern Sierra Nevada and exploded to more than 29 square miles.

It erupted Thursday afternoon and moved so fast that many people had little time to flee as propane tanks exploded and smoke obscured the path to safety.


Original (AP) - Authorities say a new wildfire has burned approximately 100 homes and forced hundreds of people to evacuate from rural communities in Central California northeast of Bakersfield.

The Kern County Fire Department gave the estimate of homes lost shortly after the blaze broke out near Lake Isabella late Thursday afternoon. It has burned about 2,000 acres and about 1,500 homes are under threat.

Authorities say the small rural communities of Squirrel Mountain Valley, South Fork, Weldon, Onyx, Lakeland Estates, Yankee Canyon and Mountain Mesa are also under evacuation orders.

There are also power and cell phone outages in the area.


Follow us for more stories like this

CapRadio provides a trusted source of news because of you.  As a nonprofit organization, donations from people like you sustain the journalism that allows us to discover stories that are important to our audience. If you believe in what we do and support our mission, please donate today.

Donate Today  
Was this story useful?
yes
no

Will you help us improve our fires coverage? Head to our wildfire survey page to tell us what you think.

    More about drought

  • State Of Drought

    Reservoir levels are at historic lows, municipalities are ordering mandatory conservation and farmers are bracing for water shortages. CapRadio is following how Californians are being impacted by the drought.

    More about wildfire

  • Andrew Nixon / CapRadio

    California Wildfires: Latest Updates

    CapRadio provides the latest information and updates on wildfires hitting the state, and resources for listeners to help prepare, follow and respond to fire.

    Related Stories

  • Cal Fire / Courtesy

    Summer Of Wildfires As Drought Persists In California

    Thursday, June 30, 2016
    The drought in California, in its fifth consecutive year, has created conditions ripe for wildfires. The National Interagency Fire Center predicts "above normal" fire potential through September for portions of California, Nevada and Idaho.
  • Ringo H.W. Chiu / AP

    More Wildfires, Starting Sooner, Burning More Acres

    Tuesday, June 28, 2016
    A new report says more people in California are at risk from wildfire and fires are starting earlier and are three times larger than in the 1970s.
  • Ryan Babroff / AP

    Battle To Contain Erskine Fire In Kern County Continues

    Monday, June 27, 2016
    The battle against a massive wildfire in central California is continuing. The Erskine Fire is now 45,388 acres and is 40 percent contained.
  • Cal Fire - Kern County Fire Department / Courtesy

    'Dangerous' Wildfires And Weather Conditions In California

    Friday, June 24, 2016
    Four consecutive years of drought, millions of dead trees and summer heat, are all factors as thousands of firefighters work to control wildfires in California.
  • Santa Barbara City Fire / Courtesy

    Elevated Fire Danger In California As Drought Persists

    Thursday, June 23, 2016
    Not much change is expected in drought conditions in California during the summer "dry season" but wildfire danger is increasing, with 66 million dead trees in the Sierra Nevada adding potential fuel.
  • U.S. Forest Service / Courtesy

    Forest Service: 66 Million Dead Trees In Sierra Nevada

    Wednesday, June 22, 2016
    The U.S. Forest Service says 66 million trees are dead in the Sierra Nevada after four consecutive years of drought in California and a bark beetle infestation.
  • Santa Barbara City Fire / Courtesy

    Record Heat, Wildfires Scorch Western U.S.

    Sunday, June 19, 2016
    As thousands of federal and state firefighters work to contain wildfires in California and other western states, record-setting heat has prompted warnings from the National Weather Service for parts of California, Nevada and Arizona.
  • Ed Joyce / Capital Public Radio

    California April Water Conservation Rate Is 26 Percent

    Monday, June 6, 2016
    The California State Water Resources Control Board says the statewide water conservation rate in April was 26.1 percent.
  • Ed Joyce / Capital Public Radio

    Water Supply Concerns As Drought Persists In Western U.S.

    Thursday, May 26, 2016
    There was "minor improvement" in California drought conditions over the past week. But as long-term drought persists throughout the west, and storage levels drop, water supply is a worry.
  • U.S. Forest Service InciWeb

    Cal Fire Prepares For Another Smoky Season

    Tuesday, May 24, 2016
    A wet winter dampened—but did not extinguish—the threat of wild fires in some parts of the state.
  • California Department of Water Resources / Courtesy

    Western U.S. Snowpack Melting At Record Speed

    Saturday, May 7, 2016
    A U.S. agency says western U.S. snowpack dropped at "record speed" during April as average temperatures in the contiguous U.S. were 4.0°F above average from January through April 2016.
  • Andrew Nixon / Capital Public Radio

    NOAA Says Watch For La Niña As El Niño Weakens

    Thursday, April 14, 2016
    In the midst of a major El Niño, federal meteorologists say its flip side, La Niña, is around the corner. And that could mean more dry times in California.
  • Andrew Nixon / Capital Public Radio

    California Drought Improves; 2015 Warmest Year On Record

    Thursday, January 21, 2016
    Frequent storms have brought more improvement in drought conditions in California over the past week, with snowpack conditions above normal.
  • Rich Pedroncelli / AP

    Climate Change Meets Drought In California

    Thursday, July 16, 2015
    Drought, combined with the effects of climate change, may likely mean more water restrictions in California.
  • NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory / AP

    California Drought Persists; 2014 Warmest Year On Record

    Thursday, January 8, 2015
    Federal meteorologists said Thursday that California and Nevada had their warmest year on record in 2014. Meanwhile, the latest U.S. Drought Monitor shows the drought persists in both states and in the U.S. southwest.

 droughtclimate changewildfirecal fireu.s. forest serviceKern CountyDrought2016Bureau of Land ManagementKern County Fire DepartmentLake Isabella

Ed Joyce

Former All Things Considered Anchor & Reporter

Ed Joyce is a former reporter and All Things Considered news anchor at Capital Public Radio. Ed is a veteran journalist with experience in a variety of news positions across all media platforms, including radio, television, web and print.   Read Full Bio 

Sign up for ReCap and never miss the top stories

Delivered to your inbox every Friday.

 

Check out a sample ReCap newsletter.

Thanks for subscribing!

Thank you for signing up for the ReCap newsletter! We'll send you an email each Friday with the top stories from CapRadio.

Browse all newsletters

More Environment Stories

Mario Tama/Getty Images

Climate is changing too quickly for the Sierra Nevada's 'zombie forests'

March 18, 2023

AP Photo/Jeff Chiu

Rain, snow and wind are returning to Northern California. In Sacramento, impacts expected to be milder than recent storms

March 20, 2023

Andrew Nixon / CapRadio

Flood watch, wind warning in place through Tuesday night as another atmospheric river drenches Sacramento

March 14, 2023

Most Viewed

Sacramento guaranteed income program opens applications for second round of participants

California could be the first state in the country to ban some much debated food additives

Wildfire victims left ‘in the dark’ after U.S. Forest Service briefs Congress about the Caldor Fire

10 new California laws that go into effect in 2023

Rain, snow and wind are returning to Northern California. In Sacramento, impacts expected to be milder than recent storms

We Get Support From:
Become a Supporter

Most Viewed

Sacramento guaranteed income program opens applications for second round of participants

California could be the first state in the country to ban some much debated food additives

Wildfire victims left ‘in the dark’ after U.S. Forest Service briefs Congress about the Caldor Fire

10 new California laws that go into effect in 2023

Rain, snow and wind are returning to Northern California. In Sacramento, impacts expected to be milder than recent storms

Back to Top

  • CapRadio

    7055 Folsom Boulevard
    Sacramento, CA 95826-2625

    •  
      (916) 278-8900
    •  
      (877) 480-5900
    •  Contact / Feedback
    •  Submit a Tip / Story Idea
  • About

    • Mission / Vision / Core Values
    • Stations & Coverage Map
    • Careers & Internships
    • Staff Directory
    • Board of Directors
    • Press
  • Listening Options

    • Mobile Apps
    • Smart Speakers
    • Podcasts & Shows
    • On-Air Schedules
    • Daily Playlist
    • Signal Status
  • Connect

    •  Facebook
    •  Twitter
    •  Instagram
    •  YouTube
  • Donate

  • Listen Live

  • Newsletters

CapRadio stations are licensed to California State University, Sacramento. © 2023, Capital Public Radio. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Website Feedback FCC Public Files: KXJZ KKTO KUOP KQNC KXPR KXSR KXJS. For assistance accessing our public files, please call 916-278-8900 or email us.