Heat, Winds Mean Worst Could Be Yet To Come In Deadly Erskine Fire

BAKERSFIELD (CBS13) — Gov. Jerry Brown has declared a state of emergency in Kern County as the deadly Erskine Fire continues to carve a destructive path across dozens of communities.

Two people have been killed in the fire that has claimed dozens of homes and forced thousands to evacuate near Bakersfield.

With winds and triple-digit temperatures in the forecast for the weekend, many fear the monster fire could only get much worse.

More than 100 structures, including at least 80 homes, have been reduced to rubble.

"Until we get daylight and get damage assessment teams in there, we're not sure of an accurate count," Kern County Fire Chief Brian Marshall said.

For many, it's a game of hurry-up-and-wait to find out if they can return to their home.

"I haven't seen the damage yet since I came back, but a lot of houses looking like they were on fire," said Samuel McClellan. "It was so smokey, it looked like a storm."