Fire History
Kern County's fire risk spans from dry chaparral foothills in the west to high desert communities in the east. The 2016 Erskine Fire (47,063 acres) was one of the most destructive in county history, destroying over 200 homes near Lake Isabella. The 2020 Creek Fire burned into the northern reaches of the county. The 2021 Antelope Fire burned in eastern Kern. The 2023 Stagecoach Fire highlighted ongoing risk in the Tehachapi and Kern River Valley areas.
Local Compliance Notes
CAL FIRE Kern County Unit serves the extensive SRA across the county. Communities in the Kern River Valley (Lake Isabella, Kernville), Tehachapi Mountains, and foothill communities above Bakersfield face the most significant Zone Zero obligations. The Antelope Valley portions of Kern County have more limited FHSZ exposure. Contact CAL FIRE Kern for jurisdiction-specific compliance guidance.
Neighborhoods in Zone Zero
High-FHSZ communities in Kern County include Lake Isabella, Kernville, Wofford Heights, Tehachapi, Bear Valley Springs, Stallion Springs, Frazier Park, Pine Mountain Club, Lebec, and foothill communities east of Bakersfield along Highway 178.
Local FAQs
Does Zone Zero apply to homes near Lake Isabella and Kernville? Yes — the Kern River Valley communities sit in Very High FHSZ and experienced significant fire impact with the 2016 Erskine Fire. Zone Zero compliance is a priority in this area. Contact CAL FIRE Kern County Unit for assessment scheduling.