RIDGECREST, Calif. — On Saturday, the Kern County Office of Emergency Services held a press conference to update the public on earthquake recovery efforts in Ridgecrest and the surrounding areas.
Kern County Fire Chief David Witt started out by thanking all the local organizations that have participated in the recovery, including the Kern County Fire Department, Kern County Sheriff's Office, Public Health and Services Departments, Human Services, the California Highway Patrol, the National Guard and many other organizations. He also thanked all the fire chiefs from surrounding agencies that answered the call for help. Over 200 firefighters have joined in the humanitarian effort.
Witt wanted the public to know that everyone involved was "ahead of the curve" and that they were "prepared and ready to go."
When asked about the Lake Isabella Dam, Witt said that the Army Corps of Engineers had inspected the dam and had deemed it safe. He also said that they would be doing a more detailed inspection.
In regards to the roadways, he said that Highway 178 was open, but he recommended that drivers avoid the canyon, as well as any areas in and around Ridgecrest. There are cracks in many roads and California Highway Patrol is assessing the situation.
In closing, Witt wanted to say that all the organizations were prepared in the case of more earthquakes and that, once again, they "were prepared and here to help and serve."
