Sit Rep | August 8, 2024 | 1725 hours PT

Photo Credit | Kern County FD

INCIDENT SUMMARY | The Bella Fire is located on Hwy 178, and four miles west of Hwy 14 in Inyokern (Kern County), California which started on August 4, 2024, at 1728 hours PT.

According to the Kern County Fire Department, they responded to a brush fire on August 4th, 2024, at 1724 hours PT to reports of a brush fire burning along Hwy 178, and several miles west of Hwy 14. Engine 83 arrived on the scene to find a 10-acre fire moving at a moderate speed and influenced by the wind.

A home and multiple other structures resting on a property to the east were directly in the fire’s path. Goals were quickly established and communicated to protect the home and to keep the fire from crossing over the highway. Within minutes, the fire was 50-plus acres and growing. An evacuation order was put in place for the affected area.

Structure protection was performed and firefighters successfully kept the fire out of the home and the other outbuildings as the flame front came through. The area was largely without roads or driveable terrain and aircraft were used to begin boxing in the fire. 

The incident occurred on public lands managed by BLM, the Bureau of Land Management. Command of the incident was taken solely by BLM in the late evening hours. All Kern County firefighters were released from the incident early this morning, August 5th.

INCIDENT # | 2435146.

INCIDENT COMMAND | BLM, assumed command on August 5, 2024, which transitioned from the Kern County Fire Department.

CURRENT STATUS | The fire has burned about 500 acres and has an 80% containment status. There are no resources assigned per the NIFC Sit Report.

INCIDENT COOPERATORS | Kern County FD: E371, E72, E81, E83, P72, P81, P83, P84, CREW12, CREW79, DIV2, DIV3, DO3, H408, BATT7, BATT8, SF2, WT12, and INFO2 (59 personnel on 8/4/2024). BLM, CHP, and the USFS, and the Caltrans District 9 transportation agency.

HASHTAGS | #BellaFire #CAwildfires2024

COST-TO-DATE | $350,000.

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