LEBEC, CA (Tuesday, July 21, 2015 at 8:15 p.m.)—Kern County Fire Department’s press release on the Pump fire follows: Just after 12 noon, the Kern County Fire Department received a call for a grass fire on Tejon Ranch property, south of the Edmonston Pumping Plant.
Ground units made access to the top of the fire via a Tejon Ranch entrance in Lebec and at the
bottom of the fire via Edmonston Pumping Plant Road. First arriving crews found approximately 25 acres of burning grass pushing up towards the ridge line. The fire was also backing downhill and moving laterally along the flanks. Firefighters worked to control the perimeter of the fire with hose lines and hand tools. They were supported by three Helicopters and an Air Tanker. The fire was contained in four hours and held at 77 acres. Crews will be on scene through the evening and into tomorrow to ensure that all hotspots are extinguished.
EQUIPMENT ASSIGNED: Engine 356, 357, 355, 55; Patrol 57, 52, 53, 51; Water Tender 55;
Helicopter 407, 408, 715; Air Tanker 73; Crew 10, 11 (16 personnel each); Dozer 3, 5; Dozer
Manager; Battalion 5, 8; Safety 3; Information 1
TOTAL PERSONNEL: 73
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The Golden Empire Crew (Crew 10) was one of the first resources on
scene. The fast response of additional man-power was helpful in achieving a quick containment of the fire.
LEBEC, CA (Tuesday, July 21, 2015 at 4:20 p.m.)—The Pump fire was contained at 77 acres. According to KCFD, the fire was started by a lightning strike to an oak tree.
LEBEC, CA (Tuesday, July 21, 2015 at 2:53 p.m.)—Air Attack 504, bulldozers and Crew 7 have been released from the Pump fire.
LEBEC, CA (Tuesday, July 21, 2015 at 1:55 p.m.)—The incident command for the Pump fire has requested a third air tanker.
LEBEC, CA (Tuesday, July 21, 2015 at 12:30 p.m.)—A wildfire broke out on Tejon Ranch today around noon near Edmonston Pump Plant and has climbed to the top of a ridge above the plant. Kern County Fire Department has helicopter 408, Engines 55, 56, 57, Crew 10 and other resources on the scene battling the blaze. A Type 1 heli-tanker has been requested.
This is part of the July 17, 2015 online edition of The Mountain Enterprise.
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