UPDATE: Officials say both directions of Highway 178 between Lake Isabella and Bakersfield are now open.
As of noon Saturday, KCFD officials said the Cattle Fire off Highway 178 has burned more than 90 acres. However, it is now 45 percent contained. Crews still plan to be on scene through the evening and the canyon will remain closed until further notice.
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A vegetation fire burning 75 acres off of Highway 178 has closed east and westbound lanes near Rancheria Road.
According to the Kern County Fire Department, crews responded to a vegetation fire in the canyon around 12:45 a.m. Saturday. Over 200 fire crews are responding to the fire with the use of helicopters and tankers to battle the flames. Several agencies were called out to assist, including California Highway Patrol, Caltrans and the U.S. Forest Service.
Officials said the 178 near Rancheria Road is expected to be closed well into Saturday evening as crews battle the blaze.
If you plan on heading up the 178 today, officials suggest taking Highway 58 towards Tehachapi to avoid the closure. You can turn north on Bealville Road which leads into Cal Bodfish Road. Then take that road up to Lake Isabella.
This is a developing story.
