Cathy Perfect - Kern Valley Sun

The Piute Fire incident commanders for California IMT 2 issued their final update on the Piute fire July 17. A quick look at the numbers indicate the progress that has been made since the fire began June 28.

As of 8:00 a.m., July 17, Piute Fire consumed 37,026 acres, with 97 percent contained and an estimated cost of $23,647,000. A total of 501 personnel remain on scene, comprised of 10 Crews, 10 Engines, four dozers, five watertenders, two helicopters, and 246 overhead. It was standing room only at most of the Emergency Fire Update meetings held in Lake Isabella and Weldon during the course of the fire. “Communication with residents is critical,” Kern County Fire Deputy Chief Brian Marshall, “Especially in small community like this where there aren’t as many resources to spread information and keep the public up to date with what’s happening with the fire.”

The overall message of the meetings was was that various agencies were eagerly workinggether to enhance a unity of command structure, said Incident Commander Chris Hoff. Representatives from 1st District Supervisor Jon Quiston, Kern County Fire Department, Kern County Animal Control, Kern County Office of Emergency Services, Kern County Sheriff’s Office, California Highway Patrol, Bureau of Land Management, and the Pacific Northwest National Incident Team 2

All fire related evacuation orders for the Piute Fire have been removed. All flood warnings and flood evacuations are being managed by Kern County Office of Emergency Services. Crews continued working to mop up scattered hot spots and rehabilitation of fire line continues on all contained sections of the fire. Primary concerns for firefighter safety include unknown road conditions due to recent flash floods, trees weakened by soil movement, and potential thunderstorms and associated erratic winds. For anyone that may need assistance from the Red Cross due to the Piute Fire and associated flood events, please contact them at (661) 324-6427 or (800) 498-4882.

Call 211 for flood information. Fire information requests should be directed to Sequoia National Forest at either the Lake Isabella Visitor Center (760) 379-5646 or Kernville District Office at (760)376-3781.