Piute Fire Update July 8, 2008 at 9:00 AM

Percent Containment: 22 Percent
Total Acres Burned: 30,747
Cost to Date: $11,600,000
Structures Threatened: 1,432
Total Personnel: 1,178

WHAT’S NEW & EVENTS
• Fire made significant runs to the Northwest, pushed by strong SE winds. The fire moved 3-4 miles in the northeast corner and is now at the south rim of Bob Rabbit. On the western perimeter the fire moved 2-3 miles toward Walker Basin and is currently on Solomon Ridge. On the SW corner, the fire has not moved much and remains on the SW side of Erskine Creek. Fire increased 4462 acres.
• Fire officials are assessing damage to property in the Red Mountain area.
• Firefighters are constructing dozer line to protect the communities at risk.
• Additional fire protection engine strike teams are arriving to provide structure protection.
• A recommended evacuation notice was issued for the residents living on both sides of the Caliente/Bodfish Road.
• A public meeting is scheduled at Kern Valley Senior Center this evening, July 8th, from 7-8 pm.

FIRE STATUS
The fire was active on the western and northern perimeters due to yesterday’s wind shift of dry Southeasterly winds. Control lines were lost on the western and northern perimeters as the fire burned through the Red Mountain area. Fire advanced on the northern perimeter and into the upper Erskine Creek Valley, Dry Meadows and Bob Rabbit Canyon to the north. A 5-acre spot fire was contained along the Piute Mountain Road to the south. Dozer line will be constructed east of Havilah towards Walker Basin, around South Lake to Mountain View and east towards Kelso Valley. Additional dozer line is planned south of Lake Isabella and Bodfish towards Caliente Road.

Red Cross Evacuation Shelter
A shelter at the Kern Valley Senior Center, 6409 Lake Isabella Blvd, is now open. Animal control will be on site to assist with companion animal sheltering if needed.

Existing Closures and Road Status
On July 1, the Forest Service implemented a Piute Fire Area Closure. This area includes all access points west of the Pacific Crest Trail. BLM closures include Nichols Peak, Bright Star Wilderness Area, Cortez Canyon, Dry Canyon, Jawbone Canyon and Lynch Canyon, Piute Mountain Road, Saddle Springs Road, Erskine Creek Road and all routes of travel west of the Pacific Crest Trail, are now closed to off highway vehicles (OHV). Other road closures include McCray Road from the end of the pavement south, and Fawn Drive from the end of the pavement south. Further information may be obtained at 661-391-6005. There is an area closure in effect for the Piute Mountains from Piute Mountain Road at Caliente Creek Road; Saddle Springs Road at Caliente/Bodfish Road; Jawbone Canyon Road south of Piute Mountain Road; Roads 29S02 and 29S03 and Erskine Creek Road at pavement.

WEATHER
A strong, high pressure area is bringing very hot temperatures to the area; southeast winds are expected to continue though Tuesday. Residents can expect more smoky conditions in areas north and west of the fire.

COOPERATING AGENCIES & PARTNERS
US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Kern County Fire Department, Kern County Sheriff, and Kern County Office of Emergency Services, CALFIRE, California Highway Patrol and the Kern County Chapter of the American Red Cross.