Crews Battle Cedar Fire

The Cedar Fire broke out Tuesday, August 16 in Kern County and moved north into Tulare County the following day. The blaze threated multiple mountain communities and triggered mandatory evacuations for Panorama Heights, Posey, Sugar Loaf, Idlewild, Pine Flat and California Hot Springs.

Over 2,000 personnel from various agencies including Tulare County Fire, Tulare County Sheriff, CHP, Cal FIRE, U.S. Forest Service, Kern County Fire, Kern County Sheriff, County of Tulare, and more. The American Red Cross was called in to operate evacuation centers in both Tulare and Kern counties.  

The fire burned over 22,000 acres by August 25, and is active within areas of 80-100% tree mortality from drought and bark beetle infestation. The cause of the fire is unknown at this time, however the primarily driver of this fire is the dry fuels within the Sequoia National Forest.   

Tulare County Supervisors proclaimed a local emergency and sent a request to the Governor for a State of Emergency due to the Cedar Fire, and waive any regulations that may hinder response and recovery efforts, and provide any State resources necessary to combat the fire. 

Smoke levels from the Cedar Fire are high in Tulare County, especially in the areas of the City of Porterville. Tulare County health officials urged community members to stay indoors and avoid exerting themselves. Smoke from wildfires can irritate your eyes and respiratory system, and worsen chronic heart and lung disease.