From the KGET Newsroom: 8 p.m. Shirley Fire Update: the Shirley Fire has grown to 2000 acres and is at 10% containment. Prolonged drought and dry fuel conditions are influenced by fire behavior on the Shirley Fire. The fire burned actively last night in Rattlesnake Creek drainage about a mile from Wofford Heights. The fire is being pushed by a westerly wind and influenced by topography. Fuels burning range from conifers in the higher elevations, to grass in the lower areas. Night operations with helicopters continued through last night. The VLAT, very large air tanker, is in use this afternoon as well as other air assets. Last night, in cooperation with fire operations, the Kern County Sheriff’s Office initiated evacuations in the following areas: Pala Ranches, Juniper Highlands, Old State Road, all residences between Old State Rd and Evans Rd on Hwy 155. An evacuation advisory was also issued for Alta Sierra 500 residences fall within the evacuation area. A Red Cross evacuation shelter has been opened at the Lake Isabella Senior Center, 6405 Lake Isabella Dr. in Lake Isabella. Last night the center housed 33 evacuees. The Red Cross shelter is also able to accept small animals as long as they are accompanied by a human. For large animals, please contact Brian Shaw with the red Cross at (760)223-6736. The majority of the world class recreational opportunities in the Kern River Ranger District and vicinity are unaffected by the fire activity and remain open. Contact the Sequoia National Forest for visitor information and trip planning, 559-784-1500. Motorists are encouraged to exercise extreme caution when driving in the area due to fire firefighters and fire equipment. The following National Forest roads are closed under Order No. 14-11. Rancheria Rd. (Forest Road No. 25S15) from its intersection with Hwy 155 then south approximately 8 miles to its intersection with Sawmill Rd. Wagy Flat Rd. (Forest Road No. 25S02) from its intersection with Old State Road, then south for approximately 3 miles to the forest boundary Sawmill Road (Forest Road No. 26S03) from its intersection with Rancheria Rd. then east for approximately 6 miles to the forest boundary. Alder Creek Road (Forest Road No. 25S04) from Alder Creek Campground then south and east for approximately 8 miles to its intersection with Rancheria Road. Highway 155 is closed at the intersection with Wofford Heights Blvd. Residents living below Pala Ranches on the east side of Hwy 155, may return to their homes. Residents living below Pala Ranches on the west side of Hwy.155 are not allowed to return to their homes at this time. Residents, owners, lessees of property are exempt from the closure as long as the closure does not fall within an evacuation area. Smoke will continue to be an issue in the area and residents who may suffer adverse health effects due to smoke are encouraged check with your health care provider. Cause: Under Investigation Estimated acreage: 2000 acres Fire is under the command of California Interagency Incident Command Team 3
Posted on: Mon, 16 Jun 2014 03:10:38 +0000
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