LEBEC, CA (Sunday, June 12, 2011 at 10:52 p.m.)—This is the press release from the Kern County Fire Department this evening.

On June 12, 2011 at approximately 4:53 p.m, the Kern County Fire Department responded to a grass fire just South of IKEA and West of Interstate 5. Upon arrival crews were faced with a fire spreading moderately in heavy grass. The firefighters from Kern County Fire Department, Bureau of Land Management and the US Forest Service responded to the incident. Two water-dropping helicopters, two air tankers, fixed-wing air attack 490 from Kern County Fire Department, three crews, fire engines, two water tenders and two dozers were used. Sheriffs Department and California Highway Patrol assisted in traffic control.

The quick actions of fire crews contained the fire to 640 acres in 5 hours. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire was determined to be Mylar balloons which were caught in power line that arc sparks.

The only loss was the power pole and grass. Fire season is upon us and this is an example of what to expect in the upcoming season. Hazard reduction efforts from property owners assisted firefighters in being able to extinguish the fire in 5 hours.

LEBEC, CA (Sunday, June 12, 2011) UPDATE at 9:20 p.m.–Kern County Fire Department reported all resources were complete (the fire is out and all personnel and equipment has left the scene) on the Ikea incident at 9:20 p.m.

LEBEC, CA (Sunday, June 12, 2011) UPDATE at 6:40 p.m.–Kern County Sheriff’s personnel have said it appears the fire nearly out. This is not a fire department assessment and you should check back at this web page for an official fire department determination.

LEBEC, CA (Sunday, June 12, 2011) UPDATE–Matt Radis and Kevin McDonnell have sent in breaking news reports to The Mountain Enterprise (see breaking news hot link at left above). McDonnell said at 6:09 p.m. that he had been smelling the fire for about 30 minutes. Matt Radis said he saw the smoke about 5:30 p.m.

LEBEC, CA (Sunday, June 12, 2011 at 5:52 p.m.)–A brush fire is burning south of the Ikea facility on Tejon Ranch propery, along Interstate 5.The blaze started after 5 p.m. and is being battled by Kern County Fire Department engines 55, 56,57 and others, as well as helicopter 407 and fire attack (fixed wing aircraft) 490.

Watch for updates at this web page.

This is part of the June 10, 2011 online edition of The Mountain Enterprise.

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