19-05-2025
Highway 178 closes as fire crews attack Democrat Fire from above
LAKE ISABELLA, Calif. (KGET) — Multiple fire crews scrambled to the scene of a wildfire in the Kern River Canyon Sunday after reports of a pick-up truck crashing into the mountainside.
Authorities say the fire started shortly after 3:30 p.m. At last report, the Democrat Fire has burned 450 acres with zero containment. No word yet on any injuries.
The fire quickly spread up a hill near recent road construction and burned up the ridge, consuming more than 400 acres in four hours.
Firefighters, including hand crews with the U.S. Forest Service, are working on containment in difficult terrain. Luckily, they have a helicopter.
Flame retardant is used to try to slow the fire's progression while the helicopter pilot tries to steady the chopper in heavy winds, making it difficult to hit the target — but the pilot hits his mark.
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Air attack has requested two large air tankers, two type three tankers and three type one helicopters be deployed to the fire.
One very large air tanker is reported to be en route from Arizona.
The canyon was closed to traffic at 4 p.m. Sunday, and Melly Mel was stuck at the roadblock.
'I was off to sell some merch. You know what I'm saying, some business, some clothing,' said Mel. 'I got a clothing line called, 'Inkimore.' I-N-K-I-M-O-R-E, it's on Instagram. You can check it out. So, usually I come over here. I got some dealings in Kernville. So, I be out there and stuff.'
Video from a Cal Fire feed shows the fire burning between 8:30 p.m. and 10 p.m., increasing in size.
The Kern River Canyon remained closed overnight, according to the California Highway Patrol. Mel said he is going to try for Kernville again Monday.
'Probably go back home and chill,' said Mel. 'Watch Netflix or something.'
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
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