GORMAN, CA (Tuesday, April 19, 2016 at 3:39 p.m.)—Kern County Battalion 5 Chief Kirk Kushen reported that the forward progress of the fire has been stopped.

GORMAN, CA (Tuesday, April 19, 2016 at 3:04 p.m.)—Pine Mountain’s Patrol 58 has joined the effort to stop the fire.

GORMAN, CA (Tuesday, April 19, 2016 at 2:49 p.m.)—A Sigalert has been issued for the #4 northbound lane (the slow lane) the entire length of the fire along Interstate 5.

GORMAN, CA (Tuesday, April 19, 2016 at 2:19 p.m.)—A wind-driven brush fire was reported at 1:10 p.m. and is burning south of Gorman (and north of Highway 138) along the east side of the northbound lanes of Interstate 5. About 15-20 acres appeared to have burned by 2:10 p.m. The fire has been moving northward between Interstate 5 and Gorman Post Road. Two helicopters from Los Angeles County—one directing the air assault and one dropping water—plus one helicopter that appeared to be from Chuchupate Ranger Station were working the fire. A ranch-style home in a canyon to the east was being protected with water drops and fire patrol trucks. The cause of the fire was unknown, but appeared to have started at the eastern edge of Interstate 5. In addition to numerous Los Angeles County engines, Battalion 5 Chief Kirk Kushen was sending resources from Stations 55, 56 and 57 to assist with the blaze.

This is part of the April 15, 2016 online edition of The Mountain Enterprise.

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