UPDATE — July 29, 2026, 3 p.m.: Fish Fire reaches 4,201 acres, 47% contained

CALIENTE — The Fish Fire had burned 4,201 acres and was 47% contained Wednesday as firefighters continued strengthening containment lines near Caliente, according to the latest incident update.

Fire crews made strong progress overnight while reinforcing containment lines and continuing mop-up operations, according to the Kern County Fire Department. Most fire activity remained within the interior of the established perimeter, allowing crews to focus on improving control lines and extinguishing hot spots.

Firefighters expected to make additional containment progress Wednesday.

The vegetation fire was reported at about 12:05 p.m. Monday, July 27, near Caliente Bodfish and Bena roads, just east of Caliente. The Kern County Fire Department said the fire began north of the railroad tracks in steep and difficult terrain.

The first arriving crews found the fire at about 5 acres, burning through light to moderate annual grass at a moderate to rapid rate of spread, according to department spokesperson Matt Strange.

Firefighters worked to reach the fire’s edge before establishing an anchor point and attacking both sides of the fire. The difficult terrain and potential for rapid growth prompted requests for additional aircraft, bulldozers and ground crews.

Four helicopters, including Kern County Fire Department Helicopters 407 and 409, and five air tankers supported firefighters with water and retardant drops during the initial response. Three engines, eight four-wheel-drive patrol vehicles, three bulldozers, a water tender and hand crews 9, 12 and 13 were also assigned.

CAL FIRE and the Santa Barbara County Fire Department assisted with the response. No injuries or fatalities were reported in the initial Kern County Fire Department incident release.

The cause remains under investigation.