The Schaeffer Fire north of Kernville that was sparked by lightning last month is still just 11-percent contained as of last report. Nearly 800 fire personnel are working the blaze that stands at more than 14-thousand acres, the smoke has caused unhealthy air conditions for people in the Kern River Valley and Tulare County foothills. The Alamo Fire that’s shut down SR 166 from New Cuyama to Hwy 101 for several days has grown to nearly 24-thousand acres and is 15-percent contained. The Whittier Fire in Santa Barbara County briefly trapped about 90 children at a summer camp over the weekend but all got out okay. The cause of those fires is unknown.

Suzanne Grant