Kernville, Ca July 2, 2009 - Firefighters responded to a wildland fire this afternoon, off Highway 155, near French Gulch.
The "French" fire, reported at approximately 2:00 pm today, July 2nd was quickly held to 1/2 acre as firefighters from the Forest Service, the Bureau of Land management and Kern County Fire Department joined forces to suppress it. California Highway Patrol Officers also assisted on scene management.
The fire was burning west of French Gulch along Dutch John Flat Road in grass and scattered timber. Seventy-five fire fighting personnel including a helicopter, seven engines, five patrols, a water tender and fire management personnel responded and had the blaze contained by 4:00 pm.
The cause of the fire was due to downed powerlines in the area. At this time over 400 residences in and around the community of Wofford Heights are without power.
Incident Commander, trainee, Angela Yearwood stated, "We were able to contain the fire to .5 acre due to the quick response and availability of firefighting resources."
We would like to take this opportunity to remind residents and forest visitors of the very dry conditions that exist in our area. Please be extra careful with campfires, bar-b-ques, stoves and smoking. Also, be advised fireworks of any kind are illegal to discharge or possess in the Kern River Valley.
