Incident Update Borel Fire

Date:
08/10/2024
Time:
7:28 PM

Incident Facts

Name
Borel Fire
Start Date/Time
2024-07-24
Incident Status
Finalized
Location
Highway 178, East of Democrat
Type
Wildfire
Cause
Under Investigation
Counties
Kern
Administration Unit
Sequoia National Forest
Unified Command Agency(s)
Size
59,288
Containment
91%
Structures Threatened
Structures Destroyed
223
Structures Damaged
29
Civilian Injuries
Firefighter Injuries
Civilian Fatalities
Firefighter Fatalities

Current Situation

Situation Summary

Borel Fire: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/casqf-borel-fire
Acres: 59,288 Containment: 91%
Total Personnel: 901

The Borel Fire stands at 59,288 acres and is now 91% contained. There was minimal fire activity overnight as firefighters on the ground strengthened containment lines around the fire in the most challenging portions of the perimeter. Crews continued to work on suppression repair to help stabilize and repair impacts from fire suppression activities. This is the last day that California Interagency Incident Management Team 11 is managing the Borel Fire. Tonight at 7 pm, California Interagency Incident Management Team 2 will be managing the Borel Fire.

Ground crews worked on improving containment lines around the perimeter of the fire, especially in the most difficult terrain. The fire activity remained minimal overnight and was primarily confined to unburned material within the burned area. There is no expectation for additional growth, but crews remain ready to react to any unexpected fire behavior. Isolated torching well inside the interior continues and can be seen as a visible glow at night, these isolated pockets of unburned fuel pose no threat to the fire perimeter or surrounding communities.

A Local Assistance Center will be opening for those affected by the Borel Fire from Saturday, August 10, through Tuesday, August 13, from 10:00 am until 7:00 pm at the Lake Isabella Senior Center, 6401 Lake Isabella Blvd. Lake Isabella, CA 93240. If you need assistance, please call 661-873-2660.

For more information on the Borel Fire, visit: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/casqf-borel-fire

 

Evacuation Zones

Evacuation Information:

Evacuations

Everyone in areas of active fires should “Know Your Zone.” Go to Genasys Protect (tinyurl.com/jcdv55f9) to identify the zone you reside in. Several changes to evacuation orders and warnings have been announced, as described below. Those that remain under an evacuation warning should stay PREPARED to leave.

Weather & Air Quality

Today will remain clear and dry, with slight cooling trends. Weather is expected to continue a gradual cooling trend through the weekend, with wind remaining at 8-12 mph and gusts up to 20 mph.

Sequoia National Forest & BLM Closures & Restrictions

Sequoia National Forest lands, roads, trails, and recreation sites around the Trout and Long Fires are temporarily closed under Forest Order No. 0513-24-12. Lands, roads, trails, and recreation sites around the Borel Fire are closed under Forest Order No. 0513-24-14. Fire restrictions are in effect under Forest Order No. 0513-24-10. All orders, maps, and accompanying appendices can be found on the Forest’s website: tinyurl.com/2en2d36k. 

The Bureau of Land Management Bakersfield Field Office has temporarily closed Long Valley Campground, Chimney Creek Campground, and portions of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). View the emergency closure order here: tinyurl.com/4mprcb9b.

The PCT is closed between Hwy 178 at Walker Pass (mile 653) and the South Fork of the Kern River bridge (mile 717.7).

Road Closures

Portions of Caliente Bodfish Road are closed. Access to the Havilah area will be restricted to *residents only* for property assessments.  Visit the Kern County Public Works Department website for the most up to date information on county road closures (tinyurl.com/z6crvp6t)

Large-Animal Assistance

The rodeo grounds in Kernville (467 Scodie Ave., Kernville) is available for residents who need to move large animals or livestock. For more information, contact Orion, Kernville Chamber of Commerce, 661-340-0026.