Ant Fire

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Today, Friday, June 19, 2020, completion of grid looking for fire, or any heat, was completed.  No smoke or heat has shown up for 3 days - Calling the Ant Fire OUT at 4:58 p.m. 

The fire remains under investigation. 

Initial Summary below:

At approximately 5:10 p.m., Saturday, 6/13/2020 the "Ant" fire was reported.  The Ant fire is located along Mountain 99, approximately 13 miles north of the town of Kernville.  An immediate "high" response was initiated.

The fire was reported to be on both sides of the road, and both sides of the river.  Fire was burning in grass and brush, making runs.  Winds were 3-5 and gusting out of the north (down canyon, which is typical for this area, and time of day).

Evacuation of Ant Canyon was initiated.  Mountain 99 was closed.  Campers were asked to leave their personal camping equipment and take refuge on the road. After flights were shut down for the evening, campers were allowed to go back to their sites and pack up their belongings, readying themselves to leave when the road opens. The area has no cell service and this left many people cut off from communications with their families and friends. 

Units and cooperators responded from the Forest Service, both Kern River and Western Divide Ranger Districts, US Fish & Wildlife, Bureau of Land Management, CA. Highway Patrol, Tulare County Fire Department, Kern County Fire Department, and Sierra South rafting company. The resources from these agencies included,  2 Helicopters, 2 air tankers, 1 air attack, 2 water tenders, 8 engines, 5 hand-crews, 3 patrols, 2 water tenders, fire investigators, and multiple fire management overhead.  Over 100 fire personnel were assigned to this incident.