Little Fire Shuts Down Highway 178, Forces Closures Along Kern River

11:00 AM UPDATE - August 23, 2025 — Kern River Valley
Firefighters from multiple agencies are battling the Little Fire, a fast-moving vegetation fire that ignited Friday after a vehicle crash in the Kern River Canyon. The blaze has now grown to approximately 1,747 acres and is 10 percent contained, according to CAL FIRE.
The fire began along Highway 178 southwest of Lake Isabella, when a pickup truck went off the road and ignited dry brush. What started as a roadside blaze quickly spread up steep canyon slopes, fueled by extreme heat and dry conditions.
Highway and Recreation Closures
The four-lane section of Highway 178 above the canyon remains closed in both directions, while Old Kern Canyon Road is open and serving as the primary detour for travelers.
The Kern River is also closed for recreation from Borel Road to the Deleonagha Day Use Area, and Rancheria Road is closed beginning at the Alta Sierra Ski Resort.
The closures come at the peak of summer recreation season, with thousands of visitors expected in the Kern River Valley. Public safety officials are urging residents and travelers to avoid the canyon until conditions improve.
Multi-Agency Response
The firefight is a multi-agency effort involving the U.S. Forest Service, Kern County Fire Department, California Highway Patrol, Bureau of Land Management, and Caltrans. Crews are attacking the fire from the ground and air, working in steep terrain and triple-digit temperatures.
“Crews are making progress building containment lines, but the heat and rugged canyon slopes are making it a tough fight,” fire officials said in a Saturday morning update. Resources are expected to remain on scene through the weekend.
Elevated Fire Risk
The Little Fire comes as much of Kern County remains under an Extreme Heat Warning and Red Flag Warnings for elevated fire danger. Officials caution that hot, dry, and windy conditions could allow the fire to spread quickly if containment efforts falter.
Residents and travelers are advised to stay alert for smoke impacts, road closures, and possible evacuation advisories as conditions evolve.
At a Glance
Fire Name: Little Fire
Size: ~1,747 acres
Containment: 10 %
Location: Along SR-178 southwest of Lake Isabella
Highway 178: The four-lane section of Highway 178 above the canyon remains closed in both directions, while Old Kern Canyon Road is open and serving as the primary detour for travelers.
Alternate Route: Old Kern Canyon Road
Recreation Closures: Kern River from Borel Rd to Deleonagha; Rancheria Rd closed at Alta Sierra
Agencies Responding: USFS, KCFD, CHP, BLM, Caltrans
Weather: Extreme heat, red flag warnings in effect