Hwy 178 closed as firefighters work to contain wildfire in Kern River Canyon
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Firefighters are working to contain a fire reported Wednesday in the Kern River Canyon and has forced a closure of Highway 178, officials said.
The fire was reported at around 11:40 a.m. along Highway 178 and Kern River Canyon Road. Ground and air firefighting crews have been called to the scene and are scheduled to remain on the fire through the night. About 132 acres have burned so far and crews have the blaze at 60% containment, officials said. The fire is being referred to as the Cow Fire.
‘We did lose everything’: Family displaced after losing everything in fire in Oildale
Firefighter arrived and found two fires within one mile of one another during the first response. KCFD said Highway 178 is closed through the canyon because of the fire, falling rocks and heavy equipment in the area.
Firefighters will remain on scene through the night and Hwy 178 is expected to reopen at a later time tonight. Kern County fire officials say those traveling through the canyon should reduce their speed and be watchful for emergency vehicles in the roadway.
Fire crews from the U.S. Forest Service are also working to extinguish the fire.
Check back for updates.
Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17.
