FRAZIER PARK, CALIF. (Monday, May 28, 2012 at 4:55 p.m.)–Four people who were in the white SUV leaving the scene of the fire have been detained by Kern County Sheriff’s Department and turned over to U.S. Forestry Service officials, according to Kern County Sheriff Sgt. Mark Brown. One person may be arrested on felony charges by the sheriff’s department if it is determined that one of the firearms seized turns out to be an assault rifle. Forestry officials are currently interviewing the subjects regarding the cause of the fire.

FRAZIER PARK, CALIF. (Monday, May 28, 2012 at 12:35 p.m.)–A fire erupted in Frazier Park at the area near Kern County Fire Station #57 popularly referred to as ‘the shooting range’ around 12:15 p.m.on Memorial Day.

Sheriff’s radio reports indicated a possible suspect vehicle in relation to the fire. Reporters for The Mountain Enterprise were on-scene and photographed the vehicle as the driver was leaving the area. Kern County Sheriff’s Deputies stopped the vehicle shortly afterward at Mt. Pinos Way and West End Drive. They found eight or 10 rifles and shotguns in the cargo area.

The fire is burning in a canyon above West End Drive where numerous fires have ignited in recent years, many due to illegal discharge of firearms. Fuel for the fire to burn is much lighter than in other areas of the wilderness, due to the previous fires.

Helicopters are enroute to take water from Frazier Park pond, as deputies are stationed there for crowd safety. Fixed wing craft are dropping fire retardant.

U.S. Forest Service personnel have asked that the burn area not be referred to as "the shooting range," but until emergency dispatch personnel begin using different terminology, this newspaper will use the location name used by officials—and the community—to describe the area.

This is part of the May 25, 2012 online edition of The Mountain Enterprise.

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