Erskine Fire in Kern County: 2016's Largest California Wildfire Leaves 2 Dead

Updated June 24 at 9:50 p.m. (E.T.)

LAKE ISABELLA, CA — At least two people have been killed in a massive fire in Kern County that has scorched over 30,000 acres and is 5 percent contained as of Friday evening, authorities said.

The fire, which started Thursday on public lands, has destroyed approximately 100 structures and an additional 1,500 structures are threatened because of the fire. More than a 1000 firefighters are currently battling the so-called Erskine fire that is said to be the largest wildfire in 2016 in California as of now.

Gov. Jerry Brown has declared a state of emergency in Kern County.

Several communities are currently being evacuated and residents of Lake Isabella and Erskine Creek are asked to prepare for possible evacuations. Approximately 125 people are currently at Kernville Elementary School, which is the primary shelter for evacuees.

Firefighting efforts are being marred by a steep and rugged terrain, heat, wind and a fast-moving fire. A massive response effort is currently underway to fight the fire, including air tankers, helicopters and additional air resources.

At least three firefighters have suffered smoke inhalation injuries. The Pacific Crest Trail is closed from Walker Basin Campground to Jawbone Canyon Road.

Kern County Fire Capt. Tyler Townsend was quoted by the Los Angeles Times as saying the fire was, "extremely dangerous, extremely volatile," adding that the fire was the most devastating he has ever seen. The fire, which entered rural communities, spread so quickly that firefighters could not keep up with the wildfire.

The Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, the Kern County Fire District and several other local and federal law enforcement agencies are responding to the fire. A Type I incident management team is en route to the scene of the fire.

Officials have not determined a cause of the blaze.

Image via Cal Fire PIO Berlant