A fire that broke out Wednesday overnight had grown to 220 acres Thursday morning, prompting evacuation warnings in Kern County.
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) alerted residents that the Fort Fire, first spotted near Fort Tejon Road on the southbound side of Interstate 5, has expanded beyond its original location and continues to advance.
Emergency crews have closed one southbound lane of I-5 through the Grapevine to manage the unfolding situation.
“Expect delays if this is part of your planned commute. Give emergency crews plenty of room to work with,” the California Highway Patrol posted on social media.
The fire began in Lebec just before midnight, forcing immediate evacuation warnings for neighborhoods southwest of Interstate 5 and north of Temescal Drive and Digier Road.
“A wildfire has become a threat,” the message reads. “An evacuation warning is in effect in the Digier Canyon-Lebec. You should prepare to leave. The situation can change very quickly, and visibility in area may be reduced and roads can become blocked.”
The warning currently affects the following areas:
- North of Temescal Drive and Digier Road
- South of the Golden State Freeway
- East of Grapevine Road
- West of the Golden State Freeway
Residents are advised to visit https://protect.genasys.com/search to check whether their location falls within the affected zone.
As of now, the Fort Fire is approximately 5% contained, and the cause of the blaze is yet to be determined.
