LAKE ISABELLA, Calif. (KRON) — A raging wildfire whipping through Southern California’s mountain communities in Kern County has left two people dead and destroyed several dozen homes, authorities said Friday.
The Erskine Fire fire has charred 30,000 acres surrounding the Lake Isabella area, according to fire officials.
About 100 buildings around the popular recreation area of Lake Isabella have been destroyed, including 80 homes, since the blaze erupted yesterday afternoon. Fire officials say an additional 1,500 structures are threatened. Six hundred firefighters are battling the blaze about 35 miles northeast of Bakersfield and hundreds more are on their way.
Evacuations are in place for Bella Vista, South Fork, Weldon, Onyx, Lakeland Estates, Mountain Mesa, South Lake, Squirrel Valley, and Yankee Canyon.
According to news station KTLA in Los Angeles, Lake Isabella, located about 115 miles north of downtown Los Angeles, “is a popular fishing and recreation destination in the Kern River Valley.”
The fire is 5 percent contained.
Gov. Jerry Brown has issued a state of emergency due to the fire.
Santa Clara Strike teams 2301A and 2312A have been deployed to Kern County to help fight the fire. Four San Mateo County firefighters are assisting too.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.