Central California near Lake Isabella has burned 43,460 acres, destroyed 150 homes, killed two

3:00 p.m. update 6/29: Rain showers in the mountains above Bakersfield have helped fire fighters gain control of the Erskine Fire which has now consumed 46,684 acres near Lake Isabella.

The 1,743 firefighters at the scene have a containment line around 60 percent of the fire.

There are currently no evacuations in place and a re-entry plan has been established. 257 homes were destroyed with another 17 damaged.

7:45 p.m. update 6/26: The Erskine Fire burning in the mountains east of Bakersfield has now burned 43,460 acres. The fire is expected to remain active into the evening hours. Spotting is possible because of diurnal winds into the evening.

The 2,079 firefighters working on the fire gained a line around 40 percent of the fire Sunday.

9:00 a.m. update 6/26/16: Firefighters now have 10 percent of the Erskine Fire burning south of Lake Isabella under control. As of 8:00 a.m. this morning, fire officials report 36,810 acres have burned, and at least 150 homes have been destroyed with an additional 75 damaged.

The cause of the fire is still unknown. It started on BLM managed public lands at the junction of Erskine Creek Rd and Apollo Way at approximately 3:51 p.m. Thursday, June 23.

Low humidity and heat face the 1,712 firefighters at the scene in terrain that is mostly brush and short grass.

The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is closed from Walker Basin Campground to Jawbone Canyon Road. There are other road closures in the area.

The Red Cross has set up two evacuation centers for the ten areas were evacuations have been forced.

----
A fire burning out of control in Kern County has claimed the lives of two individuals trying to escape the rapidly advancing flames. Known as the Erskine Fire, it is burning at the south end of Lake Isabella in the mountains to the east of Bakersfield.

During a press conference Friday at 6:00 p.m., fire officials said the fire is estimated at 30,000 acres and is 5 percent contained. There are currently 800 fire fighters on scene, with several hundred more in route to the fire.

They said approximately 100 structures have been lost and 1,500 additional structures are threatened. Assessment teams are trying to get more details.

Heat, steep and rugged terrain, wind and a fast moving fire are all challenges facing firefighters. Today there will be 6 air tankers, including a VLAT, and 7 helicopters on the fire. Additional air resources are in route. Three firefighters have suffered smoke inhalation injuries.

The fire started on BLM managed public lands at the junction of Erskine Creek Rd and Apollo Way at approximately 3:51 p.m. Thursday, June 23. The cause of the fire is under investigation.