CHP investigating alcohol as factor in crash that sparked Borel Fire

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — The use of alcohol is being investigated as a factor in the crash that killed a driver and sparked the Borel Fire.

The crash was reported July 24 along Highway 178 near Democrat Road. The vehicle veered off the side of the canyon and caught fire, according to officials.

The fire spread quickly up the mountainside and eventually spread forcing evacuations for residents in nearby areas.

The driver — who has not been identified by the Kern County coroner — was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Borel Fire has burned more than 59,000 acres in the Kern River Valley since July 24 and is now the largest wildfire in the county’s history .

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