The Cedar Fire containment lines were tested again by strong winds overnight. The lines held and there was no increase in the fire's size.
Containment has increased to 98 percent; crews and other resources no longer needed are being reassigned to other fires or released to return to their home units. High temperatures Monday will range from the mid-80s in the Kern River valley to 50 degrees on upper slopes and ridges. Overnight lows hit 57 in Camp 9 and 34 in Johnsonville.
Crews have shifted to repairing impacts on the Sequoia National Forest from the recent fire-suppression activities. They are staying actively engaged and patrolling to ensure the fire does not escape the containment lines. Firefighters on the Cedar Fire are prepared to respond to any new fire starts in the vicinity.
Kern County Evacuations and Closures
There are no precautionary or recommended evacuations remaining in Kern County.
Tulare County Evacuations and Closures
Effective at 10:00am, officials will lift all evacuation orders for the following communities: Poso Park, Panorama Heights, Balance Rock, McClenney Tract, Sugar Loaf Sawmill, Sugar Loaf Mountain Park, Sugar Loaf Village, White River Summer Homes, Posey, Idlewild, Manter Meadow, Pine Mountain Ranch Homes, Rainbow Ranch, and Portuguese Meadows.
Spear Creek Summer Homes, where five cabins and several outbuildings were damaged by the fire will remain under mandatory evacuation. Current road closures remain in place at the entrance to Spear Creek Summer Homes.
Dumpster locations will be available for residents to dispose of any spoiled food, trash or debris at Posey Fire Station and the Posey Post Office.
Repopulation efforts are underway with assistance from the American Red Cross located at the Posey Fire Station. The American Red Cross will also have “Clean-up Kits” available for the residents of Spear Creek. If you are in need of any assistance from the American Red Cross, you can meet with a representative at the Posey Fire Station starting September 2, 2016, or call 1- 800-REDCROSS.
County health officials advise residents returning to communities impacted by the wildfires to take caution upon returning to their homes. For a full list of health precautions visit www.tularecounty.ca.gov/emergencies. For further information, please contact the Tulare County Emergency Operations Center at (559) 623-0200 between the hours of 8am-5pm.
National Forest Closures and Road Status
The Kern River Ranger District will be closed today will return to normal hours of operation between 8am-4:30pm on Tuesday.
Areas in the Sequoia National Forest are closed to public access under a Forest Order (Order No. 0513-16-21). The Kern Valley airport is open to normal flight activity.
