LEBEC, CA (Thursday, Aug. 24, 2017 at 5:41 p.m.)—CHP is closing the southbound #1 (fast) lane in the area of the fire for possibly 30 minutes.

LEBEC, CA (Thursday, Aug. 24, 2017 at 5:24 p.m.)—Fire personnel sound hopeful that a backfire operation may have helped them to gain an upper hand on the fire. Kern County Fire Helicopter 408 is on scene working the fire while all other incoming aircraft have been canceled.

LEBEC, CA (Thursday, Aug. 24, 2017 at 5:04 p.m.)—Engine 56’s captain has requested a helicopter to make water drops as soon as possible, saying the fire has the potential for spotting to the steep slopes of the northbound side of the freeway.

LEBEC, CA (Thursday, Aug. 24, 2017 at 4:57 p.m.)—Kern County Fire Department Engine 56 is on-scene of a brushfire in the center divider of southbound Interstate 5, north of El Tejon School. The crew of Engine 56 is currently engaging the fire. Other engines are enroute from Frazier Park, Pine Mountain Club and Gorman.

This is part of the August 18, 2017 online edition of The Mountain Enterprise.

Have an opinion on this matter? We'd like to hear from you.