Deadly Erskine Fire Destroys Homes in California's Kern County

Two people were confirmed dead, a state of emergency was declared, and evacuation orders were issued as a wildfire spread rapidly in Kern County, California, between June 23 and 25.

By the morning of June 25, the Erskine Fire had burned 30,000 acres, destroyed 100 buildings, and was threatening 1,500 more, according to official report. At that time, the fire was just 5 percent contained. Officials said 800 personnel from multiple agencies were fighting the blaze “in very hot and dry conditions and steep terrain,” and that three had suffered smoke inhalation injuries.

This video, shared by the California’s Office of Emergency Services, shows homes near Lake Isabella destroyed by the fire, local police organizing their response, and firefighting helicopters making water drops. Credit: YouTube/Cal OES