INCIDENT COMPLETED — Military HUMVEE engulfed in flames on Interstate 5 in Lebec, live ammunition involved, brush fire started

LEBEC, CA (Wednesday, June 3, 2020 at 11:51 p.m.)—Kern County Fire Department stated that the fire is 100% contained. Crews will remain on scene for mop-up.

LEBEC, CA (Wednesday, June 3, 2020 at 9:31 p.m.)—Kern County Sheriff’s Office is checking with fire officials to decide whether homes need to be evacuated in Digier Canyon.

LEBEC, CA (Wednesday, June 3, 2020 at 9:27 p.m.)—The HUMVEE fire is estimated to be 10 acres in size.

LEBEC, CA (Wednesday, June 3, 2020 at 9:24 p.m.)—Southbound lanes #3 and #4 are closed.

LEBEC, CA (Wednesday, June 3, 2020 at 9:22 p.m.)—The vehicle fire is out, but the brush fire continues burning.

LEBEC, CA (Wednesday, June 3, 2020 at 9:15 p.m.)—Hall Ambulance Service is on scene for a soldier with smoke inhalation.

LEBEC, CA (Wednesday, June 3, 2020 at 9:14 p.m.)—A full wildland fire response has been ordered for “the HUMVEE fire” in Lebec with air tankers and bull dozers en route.

LEBEC, CA (Wednesday, June 3, 2020 at 9:10 p.m.)—The National Guard soldiers have informed firefighters that it is not confirmed they have recovered all of the live ammunition from the vehicle.

LEBEC, CA (Wednesday, June 3, 2020 at 9:03 p.m.)—A large brush fire is burning west of Interstate as a result of the military vehicle fire.

LEBEC, CA (Wednesday, June 3, 2020 at 8:55 p.m.)—A National Guard HUMVEE traveling south on I-5 is fully engulfed in flames just north of Lebec Road. Live ammunition is reported to be in the HUMVEE. First reports were that the ammunition was secured before soldiers exited the vehicle.

This is part of the May 29, 2020 online edition of The Mountain Enterprise.

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