Some of today's top stories
- -- firefighters are gaining group on the Borel Fire, as it continues its trek across the Kern River Valley.
The blaze has quickly become one of Kern's largest and most destructive wildfires. All eyes were on Walker Basin and Rankin Ranch as flames inched closer.
But some of those folks are breathing a sigh of relief...as fire crews exhaust themselves to slow the spread. This after the Borel Fire nearly leveled the community of Havilah over the weekend...burning almost every building...including the historic courthouse. This fire started last Wednesday afternoon when a car crashed over the edge of the canyon...catching fire and killing the driver.
It more than tripled in size in a matter of days.
It has now scorched more than 57-thousand acres and is 5-percent contained. Still, hundreds of people remain under evacuation orders tonight...and more are watching and waiting to leave if the fire continues to spread.
Everyone living in the red zone is urged to go now if you haven't already.
Those living in the orange zones should pack and prepare to leave in case an order comes down.
The sheriff says, if you're told to go -- leave immediately.
Ignoring evacuation orders puts lives at risk, including first responders. - Though the Borel Fire continues to rage, some residents are starting to see positive signs on the ground.
17's Robert Price paid a visit to the wildfire battlefield. - while many in the Walker Basin area have evacuated, those who live on Rankin Ranch have decided to stay and protect their home.
17's Justin White visited the ranch once again to see how the Rankin family is faring with the Borel Fire looming nearby.
