Wildfire in Kern Cty Mtns, California

The Erskine Fire began on June 23, 2016 along Erskine Creek Road, 1 mile southwest of Lake Isabella in Kern County. The fire spread rapidly due to strong, gusty winds, hot temperatures and dry conditions on June 23 through 25. The growth of the fire slowed as winds decreased by June 26, however the fire continued to burn through early July before being contained on July 9. It burned 48,019 acres. The fire closed Highway 178 east of Bakersfield for several days with evacuation of numerous small communities in the Lake Isabella area. The fire destroyed 285 residences and 1 commercial building as well as damaging 12 other residences. There were 2 fatalities as an elderly couple were unable to escape the rapidly moving fire. The cost of containment as of July 9, was $23 million.