Crews are battling a grass fire east of Bakersfield.

The Democrat Fire broke out at around 3:30 p.m. Sunday along Highway 178 near the Upper Richbar Picnic Area.

Cal Fire reports the blaze has scorched more than 450 acres and is zero percent contained Monday morning.

Highway 178 is closed in both directions as crews fight the flames.

There’s no word what caused the fire.