Single Publication

Borel Fire Incident Update Friday, August 9, 2024

Fire Information: 559-481-7849, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. | Media Line: 559-492-9967, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. 

Email: 2024.lightning@firenet.gov | Linktree: linktr.ee/2024sqflightning

Current Situation: 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.

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 at the Lake Isabella Senior Center, 6401 Lake Isabella Blvd. Lake Isabella, CA 93240 on August 10th through 13th from 10:00 am until 7:00 pm.

Trout and Long Fire: For continuing information, please visit: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/casqf-2024-sqf-lightning

Weather: 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).

Evacuation Center: The Tehachapi Education Center located at 126 S. Snyder Ave., Tehachapi has been placed in a standby status, due to no residents currently utilizing the service. The shelter is available and ready to assist upon request if the need arises for the communities affected by the evacuation orders and warnings. Animal services are available to assist in sheltering companion animals at the center. Contact the American Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767 to utilize these services.

facebook.com/SequoiaNF/ x.com/SequoiaForest

Containment: 91%
For more information on the Borel Fire, visit: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/casqf-borel-fire

Acres: 59,288
Total Personnel: 901

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.

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)

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.