Grapevine Fire: Evacuations & I-5 Closures
- A wildfire, dubbed the Fort fire, ignited Wednesday night near Interstate 5 in Lebec, prompting evacuation warnings for nearby Kern County residents.
- The Kern County Fire Department urged drivers to exercise caution while traveling on I-5 through the Tejon Pass.
- The warning encompasses the area south and west of the I-5 freeway, north of Temescal Drive and Digier Road, and east of Grapevine Road. Officials are closely monitoring...
Breaking news: A devastating wildfire near Interstate 5 in Lebec has triggered evacuation warnings for Kern County residents. The Fort fire, a perilous wildfire, ignited Wednesday night and quickly spread, scorching 175 acres by Thursday morning. Officials are urging caution on I-5 due to potential delays as firefighters battle the growing Grapevine fire. Residents near Digier Canyon and Lebec are under evacuation warnings, wiht authorities closely monitoring the situation. Crews are actively working to contain the blaze, which is currently 5% contained, focusing on protecting nearby communities. For up-to-the-minute updates, News directory 3 has the details. Stay informed about the evolving situation and potential I-5 closures.Discover what’s next …
Grapevine Fire Prompts Kern County Evacuation Warnings
Updated June 05, 2025
A wildfire, dubbed the Fort fire, ignited Wednesday night near Interstate 5 in Lebec, prompting evacuation warnings for nearby Kern County residents. The blaze started around 11:30 p.m. and rapidly expanded, reaching 175 acres by 7 a.m. Thursday, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
The Kern County Fire Department urged drivers to exercise caution while traveling on I-5 through the Tejon Pass. Firefighters are actively working in the area, possibly causing delays. A water-dropping helicopter is assisting in battling the Grapevine fire.
An evacuation warning was issued around 1:30 a.m. for residents in Digier Canyon and the Lebec area. The warning encompasses the area south and west of the I-5 freeway, north of Temescal Drive and Digier Road, and east of Grapevine Road. Officials are closely monitoring the wildfire situation.
As of Thursday morning,the fire was 5% contained. Fire crews are focused on containing the Kern County blaze and protecting nearby communities.
What’s next
Firefighters will continue working to increase containment of the Fort fire. Residents in the evacuation warning area should remain vigilant and be prepared to evacuate if necessary. Authorities will provide updates as the situation evolves.