UPDATE—LEBEC, CA (Sunday, July 9, 2012 at 2:50 p.m.)–Derek Tisinger of the Kern County Fire Department writes that the Lebec fire that started near Lancer Road has covered about 50 acres and is 50 percent contained. Tisinger said KCFD expects to have the fire completely controlled by the end of the day.
UPDATE—LEBEC, CA (Sunday, July 8, 2012 at 10:15 p.m.)–At 9:59 p.m. the Kern County Fire Department issued this summary of the Lebec fire: At approximately 3:31 p.m., July 8, 2012 the Kern County Fire Department received a call of a reported vegetation fire on Lancer Rd in Lebec. On arrival crews were faced with 10 acres of grass and brush burning uphill in an area known as Los Padres Estates. An aggressive attack was made by crews to attack the fire and protect nearby structures.
The fire has burned approximately 50 acres and is 25% contained with full containment expected by morning. Crews will be continuing to construct fireline through out the night. Crews will also be on the fire tomorrow continuing to work on control.
At the height of the incident there were approximately 200 firefighters. Kern County Fire also received assistance from Los Angeles County Fire and the US Forest Service.
There have been no reported loss of structures nor any reported civilian or firefighter injuries.
The fire is currently under investigation .
See hour by hour reports from the field on July 8 below.
LEBEC, CA (Sunday, July 8, 2012 at 6:12 p.m.)–A Kern County Fire Department Batallion Chief reports the fire is about 80% contained currently at 50 acres, there are 120 fire personnel fighting the fire, three helicopters and three fixed-wing air tankers are deployed and Los Angeles County Fire Department and U.S. Forest Service are assisting Kern County Fire Department.
LEBEC, CA (Sunday, July 8, 2012 at 6:04 p.m.)–Resident Chandra Mead writes “the fire in our canyon is on my property on Bird St. and my neighbors (we each have 20 acres). They have 3 crews I believe (one or more from BFL), 2 fixed wing tankers & at least 2 helicopters. These crews are amazing! We are so blessed that they got on it so quick and fight so well.”
LEBEC, CA (Sunday, July 8, 2012 at 4:34 p.m.)–Kern County Fire Department’s Incident Commander on the Lancer fire has estimated the fire to be between 30 and 50 acres in size at this time.
LEBEC, CA (Sunday, July 8, 2012 at 4:25 p.m.)–Radio traffic indicates that fire officials believe the “Lancer fire” may be “somewhat contained” at this time, subject to changes in the wind.
LEBEC, CA (Sunday, July 8, 2012 at 3:53 p.m.)–A resident has reported that the fire is moving to the west, not east.
LEBEC, CA (Sunday, July 8, 2012 at 3:49 p.m.)–Kern County Fire Department has advised the sheriff’s department to close Lebec Oaks Road at Lebec Road, preventing any traffic from entering the O’Neil Canyon area.
LEBEC, CA (Sunday, July 8, 2012 at 3:46 p.m.)–The fire is reported to be spreading from Star Court eastward toward Lancer Way.
LEBEC, CA (Sunday, July 8, 2012 at 3:33 p.m.)–A brushfire was reported at about 3:30 p.m. to be “running up a hill” near Lebec Oaks Road, Lancer Way and Star Court. Fire engine 56 and 356 are enroute. Fire officials have indicated the fire has a moderate rate of spread and the “potential is high.”
This is part of the July 06, 2012 online edition of The Mountain Enterprise.
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