LEBEC, CA (Monday, July 12, 2021 at 10 p.m.)—Families returned to their homes. Some still felt disoriented, but the fire came to a halt at the Mobil storage tanks. Firefighters said excellent clearing of residential lots made it possible to provide effective defense against the fast-moving fire. The precise number of acres burned has not yet been released. Kern County Fire Department spokesperson Andrew Freeborn said  this evening that some lingering hot spots were still being addressed.

LEBEC, CA (Sunday, July 11, 2021 at 4:28 p.m.)—KCFD reports that forward progression of the Bear fire has been stopped. Crews are mopping up.

LEBEC, CA (Sunday, July 11, 2021 at 2:39 p.m.)—KCFD has paused evacuations to keep everyone out of the evacuation area.

LEBEC, CA (Sunday, July 11, 2021 at 2:01 p.m.)—KCFD reports that the fire is burning south along Lebec Road and to the west into Los Padres Estates.

LEBEC, CA (Sunday, July 11, 2021 at 1:55 p.m.)—KCFD reports that approximately 50 houses are under immediate threat from the fire.

LEBEC, CA (Sunday, July 11, 2021 at 1:45 p.m.)—Evacuations are underway for Lebec Oaks Road and Lebec Road.

LEBEC, CA (Sunday, July 11, 2021 at 1:36 p.m.)—KCFD is requesting a traffic break on northbound and southbound lanes to slow motorists down through the smoke.

LEBEC, CA (Sunday, July 11, 2021 at 1:25 p.m.)—A brush fire is burning on the west side of I-5 near Lebec Oaks Road. Kern County Fire Department reported that structures were threatened. Estimated size of the Bear fire at this time is reported to be 2 acres. Heavy smoke is blowing across Interstate 5.

This is part of the July 9, 2021 online edition of The Mountain Enterprise.

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