An overnight wildfire in the Lebec area of Kern County led to mandatory evacuations, highlighting the urgent need for preparedness during the wildfire season. The fire was reported just before 11:30 p.m. on Tuesday, west of the 5 Freeway at the Lebec Road exit, confirmed Kern County Fire Department Capt. Freeborn.
As of 5 a.m. Tuesday, the fire had burned between 30 and 50 acres, with no containment in place. A mandatory evacuation order was issued for residents along Ridge Route Road. The evacuation order was later lifted on Tuesday morning when firefighting crews managed to achieve 20% containment of the blaze.
“Firefighters worked through the night and forward progress has been stopped,” the Fire Department reported. The fire’s extent was also updated to 35 acres. An evacuation center had been set up at Frazier Mountain High School for affected residents.
Fortunately, there were no reported injuries or structural damages from the wildfire. This incident underscores the unpredictable nature of wildfires and the need for communities to remain vigilant and prepared, especially during the dry season.