
On July 10, 2016, the Erskine Fire started at the base of Cook Peak from an unknown source (under investigation) on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land and subsequently burned onto the Kern River Ranger District of the Sequoia National Forest (NF). The fire rapidly spread to 35,711 acres in one day and had a devastating impact on the communities of Squirrel Valley, South Lake, and Kelso Creek Valley. The fire progression was extreme due to strong winds and flashy fuels. A total of 285 homes wer Path to Full Story on KERO Channel 23 ABC News