Single Publication

Borel Fire Incident Update 

Thursday, August 8, 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.borel@firenet.gov | Linktree: linktr.ee/2024sqflightning

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SequoiaNF/ 
X: https://x.com/sequoiaforest 
 

Acres: 59,288 | Total Personnel: 1,175 | Containment: 84%

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.

Current Situation: The Borel Fire remains at 59,288 acres with 84% containment. The decrease in acreage was determined after an AR flight over the fire. An “AR flight” in the context of wildfire refers to aerial reconnaissance which is equipped with infrared cameras. The AR flight was able to provide accurate information on the size and shape of the fire, in addition it can detect hotspots and provide data on the fire’s intensity. On the northern side of the fire from Highway 178 to Kern River Canyon Road, crews worked on suppression repair. Some smoke was visible within the fire’s interior in the area. On the northeast/eastern sides of the fire, crews were able to hold the line, work on suppression repair and backhaul excess equipment and trash. On the southern side of the fire, suppression is still taking place on open line and suppression repair work along with backhauling unnecessary equipment and trash.

Borel Fire: Today, firefighters will continue to hold the line where fire is still active and work towards gaining more containment. Crews on all sides of the fire will work on suppression repair, backhaul excess resources from all sides of the fire and collect trash. Critical infrastructure needs in the affected communities continue to be assessed and repaired to ensure the area is safe from not only fire damage, but all other hazards. A cooling trend begins today with temperatures a few degrees cooler than yesterday in the upper 90’s and low 100’s in the lower elevations around the fire and upper 80’s to low 90’s in the higher elevations. Winds will continue out of the west/northwest at 8-14 mph with winds in the late afternoon into the evening up to 26-28mph. Winds should calm around 9pm tonight.

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

Weather & Air Quality: The warming and drying trend will continue today and will begin cooling Thursday and continue through the weekend. Temperatures will range from 102-106 degrees in the fire area with westerly winds over the fire today 8-12 mph with gusts up to 28 mph tonight.

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).

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. Those that remain under an evacuation warning should be PREPARED to leave.

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.

Large-Animal Assistance: The rodeo grounds in Kernville (467 Scodie Ave., Kernville) are 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 also closed. Visit the Kern County Public Works Department website for the most up to date information on county road closures (tinyurl.com/z6crvp6t).