Flames lap Oak Creek pass
Flames lap Oak Creek pass
By: News Staff Report
Description: Flames marched across the hills of Oak Creek Pass on May 26
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Posted by editor Tue Nov 30, 1999 00:00:00 PST
Viewed 1307 times
0 responses 4 comments Flames that marched across the hills of Oak Creek Pass on May 26 brought firefighters from several jurisdictions to battle the area’s first large-scale fire of the season.
The fire began about 2:10 p.m. west of Tehachapi-Willow Springs Road approximately one mile south of Oak Creek Road and burned approximately 900 acres of desert brush and grass. The fire was 40 percent contained by 10 p.m.
According to Kern County Fire Department inspector Tony Diffenbaugh, 241 firefighters battled the fire.
“Crews were assisted by airtankers, helicopters and bulldozers, however, the air operation was halted after about two hours due to high wind conditions,” he said.
Diffenbaugh also said that rugged terrain along with the high wind conditions hampered containment efforts.
He said firefighters constructed an fire break approximately seven miles long and used Tehachapi-Willow Springs Road to stop the spread of the fire.
“Several spot fires on the east side of Tehachapi-Willow Springs Road that were started by wind blown embers were quickly extinguished by firefighters,” Diffenbaugh said.
He said that several structures in the area, including homes and wind energy producing equipment, were threatened by the fire.
Cooler temperatures and higher humidity overnight aided firefighters in their efforts to secure the perimeter of the fire.
Diffenbaugh said that by 7 a.m. on May 27, the fire was 80 percent contained. He said firefighters stayed on remained on the fire until May 28 until the fire is completely controlled.
“The reduction in the final acreage of 787 is due to more accurate mapping performed by the KCFD Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Unit,” Diffenbaugh said. “Using GPS equipment, GIS personnel mapped the entire perimeter of the fire.”
He said that by using a specialized computer program, the information was converted into a highly accurate map of the fire.
The fire was caused by burning debris from a wind turbine that caught fire due to a malfunction.
The firefighting operation was conducted under the command of KCFD Battalion Chief Hiedi Dinkler. California Department of Forestry, United States Forest Service, CCI fire crew and Los Angeles County Fire Department assisted with the fire.
Contributing writer Nick Smirnoff contributed to this article.
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Sat Jun 3, 2006 15:20:03 PDT
How much do you thimk that fire would have cost the taxpayers if was in the city limits? With all of that mutual aid from the USFS, CDF and not to mention all of the KCFD resources that were there. That fire alone would have wiped out the city fire budget, so what would they do once they are out of money, RAISE TAXES AGAIN OF COURSE. It is a horrible idea to let the city take over fire protection, just look at all of the resources we would be loosing. Look at how many major fires that have happened in the Tehachapi area already this year, and fire season is just beginning.
Thu Jun 8, 2006 11:55:26 PDT
fightforwhatsright, I agree with you that the city fire department is not needed at this time. I believe that the city is not fully thinking of the cost for mutual aid and how many times it will be needed. However to compare a wildland fire in the hills with what the city fire would encounter is like comparing apples to oranges. The city fire would not even come close to that type of fire unless Golden Hills get annexed in near future. But if we have just two or three 3 to 4 alarm house fires, the budget would still be blown away.
Thu Jun 8, 2006 20:55:17 PDT
What about the foothills, that are in city limits? Even the valley floor can burn. The city has had a fire like this two years ago. It started at the blvd and willow springs, burned over a 100 acers. Helicopters and air tankers where used. Cost about $ 5000.00 an hour to put out. Can the city pay for that? NO
Sat Jun 10, 2006 09:39:10 PDT
Citylady, I agree that the foothills in the city limits are at risk and would be costly. However to compare the areas of Oak Creek with the foothills is not the best way to get the point across. But there are areas in the city limits that would be just as costly. One spot would be the field at the corner of Mountain View and Tehachapi. They would have to fight the fire and pride structure protection. Like I said I don't agree with a city fire as a the primary responder at this time.
