Today, Director Mark Ghilarducci of the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services traveled to Kern County to get a first-hand assessment of the Erskine Fire that started in the afternoon of June 23rd and quickly spread to thousands of acres. It has burned almost 44,000 acres and has destroyed at least 250 structures and an additional 75 damaged.  Two people lost their lives in the fire and officials say it’s possible there could be more unaccounted for. On June 24th Governor Brown issued an emergency proclamation for Kern County due to the effects of the Erskine Fire.

Here’s what Director Ghilarducci saw, from his point of view (video link https://youtu.be/ugkewN6RMxc):

Officials also setup a public information telephone line – Erskine Fire Community Update Call Center – 661-873-2660 (8:00 am – 8:00 pm).

The Red Cross Safe & Well site is available for those looking for loved ones affected by evacuations: https://safeandwell.communityos.org/cms/index.php.

Members of the media can receive a RAW VIDEO HD download link by contacting the media relations team at media@caloes.ca.gov