Lake Isabella Fire Has Killed 2, Destroyed 200 Homes

By Dave Colby (Patch Staff)

LAKE ISABELLA, CA - A fire burning near Lake Isabella has destroyed 200 homes, and two fatalities are confirmed. Another 75 structures have been damaged, according to Cal Fire.

The Kern County Erskine fire had burned 45,388 acres as of this morning. Firefighters say they have 40 percent containment of the wildfire, which was first reported on Thursday.

More than 2,000 firefighters are on scene of the blaze. Significant progress towards containment was made Sunday, according to firefighters, especially on the south and southwest edges of the fire.

Cal Fire officials say a drone incursion occurred on the fire Sunday in an area where helicopters were assisting with firefighting operations.

The presence of this drone caused fire managers to ground all of the helicopters due to safety concerns, according to Cal Fire.

Officials say the drone operator was located and detained, and the helicopters were able to resume fire operations after a 30 minute delay.

Fire officials are expecting full containment by Thursday, June 30.

The cause is under investigation.

Also see: San Gabriel Complex Fire: 72 Percent Contained, 5,381 Acres Burned

-Image via Cal Fire