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First Big California Wildfire Threatens Homes In Kern County

 

LAKE ISABELLA, Calif. (AP) -- Fire officials in California say a wildfire is threatening homes in the Lake Isabella area of Kern County and high winds are pushing it through the brushy high desert area.

 

U.S. Forest Service fire spokeswoman Cindy Thill says the fire erupted about 12:30 p.m. Friday and mandatory and voluntary evacuations have been ordered for homes, ranches and campgrounds.

 

Thill says some people are leaving with their horses but no injuries or building damage have been reported.

 

Highway 178 has been closed at Joughlin Ranch.

 

Thill says high winds have grounded helicopters, but firefighters have requested air tankers. She also says more than 15 fire engines from several agencies have been sent to protect homes.

 

Lake Isabella is a recreational destination about 110 miles north of Los Angeles.

 

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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