Wildfire burning in Sequoia National Forest now 90% contained
Firefighters made progress overnight on the Shirley fire burning in the Sequoia National Forest, which is now 90% contained.
The wildfire, which officials now say started Friday night, has scorched more than 2,600 acres of timber and brush west of Lake Isabella in Kern County, according to the U.S. Forest Service.
Day and night firefighting efforts have allowed to crews to maintain the blaze within the perimeter.
But firefighters are concerned about upcoming weather changes, which will bring low humidity and higher temperatures. The conditions “could produce an increase in fire activity,” the Forest Service reported.
Early in the firefight, authorities said the blaze had threatened 1,000 homes, prompting evacuation orders for more than 500 homes.
As the fire raged, nearly three dozen residents stayed overnight at a local Red Cross evacuation center.
Portions of Old State, Rancheria, Wagy Flat, Sawmill and Alder Creek roads remained closed due to ongoing firefighting efforts.
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