A fire broke out late Wednesday night in Lebec, California, near Interstate 5, prompting evacuation warnings for nearby residents. The Fort fire started just before 11:30 p.m. and quickly expanded to about 220 acres by Thursday morning, with only 5% containment reported as commuters began their day.
Firefighters are actively working to control the blaze, which has forced the closure of at least one lane on the southbound side of the freeway. The Kern County Fire Department is urging drivers to slow down and exercise caution in the area due to the presence of emergency personnel.
Fire Capt. Andrew Freeborn explained that the conditions posed challenges for firefighting efforts, particularly at night when steep terrain and strong winds pushed the fire northward. However, with the arrival of daylight, crews were able to deploy air support to drop retardant on the flames, allowing them to be more aggressive in their response.
By 1:30 a.m. Thursday, officials issued an evacuation warning for residents in Digier Canyon and the Lebec area. The warning covers those living south and west of the freeway, north of Temescal Drive and Digier Road, and east of Grapevine Road.
Weather conditions at the time of the fire included temperatures around 84 degrees and winds gusting up to 16 mph. Humidity levels were reported at 45%, rising to 55% just before sunrise, but dropping to 34% by the afternoon.
Jeremy Ruiz, a public information officer for the fire department, noted that wildfires are common in this region, often sparked by activities near the highways, such as discarded cigarettes or vehicle accidents.
As the fire continues to develop, local authorities are keeping a close watch, and residents are advised to stay informed about the situation and heed any evacuation orders.