Fire grows to nearly 16,000 acres

The Schaeffer Fire burning in the Kern River Ranger District of Sequoia National Forest continues to spread and now covers nearly 16,000 acres.

The fire continues to challenge firefighters as they work long and arduous hours building containment lines around the perimeter of the fire, said forest officials. Fire management goals continue to include keeping the fire north of Schaeffer Trail, south of the ridge between Osa Creek and Grouse Canyon, east of Rincon Trail and West of Forest Road.

On Monday, firefighters conducted a burn out operation along the Kern River and crews are making their way down to the river. This area of the fire is critical for securing the west flank of the fire between the Kern River on the north to Schaeffer Meadows and Corral Meadows on the south. Crews are carefully monitoring the fire activity in the area.

During the night, the fire activity was minimal. Crews worked through the night in the steep terrain improving containment lines built during the day by increasing the width of the lines, clearing debris that might cross the lines and ignite fuels below and removing snags.

On Tuesday, assignments were to hold and secure hand line, construct direct lines where possible. If that cannot be done safely and effectively, crews will then look for opportunities to construct indirect lines and use the road system. Structure protection continues as resources assess and set up structure protection in the Beach Meadow.

As of Tuesday morning, the fire had burned 15,859 acres and was 25 percent contained. More than 670 personnel are on the fire and there have been four minor injuries. Thirteen structures remain threatened. Also roads and trails in the area are closed.

As the Schaeffer Fire continues to burn, smoke will be impacting local communities.