Cindy Thill, USFS Public Affairs
Special to the Sun

Firefighters responded to a wildland fire, above the town of Kernville along Mountain 99, this weekend. The fire, located a few miles north of Fairview, on the west side of the Kern River is, as of Sunday evening, held to about 120 acres.

On Saturday night, June 27, the Fairview fire was reported at approximately 11:15 p.m. Firefighters were escorted, by raft, across the Kern River to the fire burning on the west side of the Upper Kern. The rafts were guided by Forest Service river personnel.

A Forest Service helicopter draws water from the Johnsondale dam at South Creek Falls to fight the Fairview fire.

Six hand crews, seven engines, one patrol, one air attack, three air tankers, three helicopters, and fire management personnel, from the US Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management, were dispatched to the scene on first report, totaling over 200 firefighting personnel. Firefighters are also being assisted, in this effort, by the Tulare County Sheriffs Department.

Kern River District Ranger, Rick Larson, commented, “The fire is burning in previously burnt brush within the McNally fire perimeter and could have been a different outcome had there not been reduced fuels.”

The fire is human caused and is presently under investigation. The fire was reported 100 percent contained Monday evening.

If you witness suspicious activity in the areas, prior to or during fires, or have any information, please contact the National Forest Hotline number at (559) 294-4894.

Meanwhile, the Shotgun Fire continues to burn in the Golden Trout Wilderness. The fire, located in the Golden Trout Wilderness where Shotgun Creek flows into the Little Kern River, has grown to 231 acres. The fire is being managed by 70 firefighters from the U.S. Forest Service and National Park Service. The Golden Trout Wilderness, managed by the Forest Service, is located approximately 25 miles northeast of the city of Porterville.

The Shotgun Fire, discovered June 23, was started by lightning earlier this month. With warming temperatures the fire burned across the Little Kern River and spread towards Camelback Ridge. Firefighters continue their efforts to prevent the fire from burning over Camelback Ridge.

“The Shotgun fire is located near the old Cooney fire from 2003. Like the Cooney fire, the Shotgun Fire is being managed for resource benefit” stated Incident Commander Paul Gibbs. “This fire will help restore the natural ecological processes and reduce future suppression costs,” stated Gibbs.

There are no trail closures in the Golden Trout Wilderness but visitors are urged to be cautious when traveling in the area near the fire, alternate routes are recommended. For up-to-date information please contact the Springville office at 559-539-2607.