Fire managers working the Garden Fire that’s closed Hwy 178 in the Kern River Canyon say high heat and low humidity are a serious challenge.

The flames have burned 850 acres since they broke out Sunday near the Democrat fire station. Five air tankers and six helicopters are attacking the fire from the air as are 300 troops on the ground. It is five-percent contained.

Investigators believe someone started the fire but have not said how.

Suzanne Grant and Kelli Forsch