Update: Kern County Borel Fire 84% contained; evacuations in effect Thursday

The Borel Fire in a remote part of Kern County has burned over 59,288 acres as of Thursday and is 84% contained.

The fire started July 24 after a vehicle veered off the side of Highway 178 in the canyon and started a fire. The driver of the vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The fire decreased from 59,340 acres after aircraft flew over the blaze with infrared cameras, according to a U.S. Forest Service statement issued Thursday.

Here's the latest details on the fire:

Borel Fire: Evacuation orders remain in effect on Thursday

Evacuations have been ordered for the following areas:

• KRN-403-C
• KRN-737-B
• KRN-739-A
• KRN-747-B

Zone KRN-737 was split into KRN-737-A and KRN-737-B.

KRN-737-A was downgraded on Thursday to an evacuation warning joining zones KRN-735-B, KRN-736, KRN-738 and KRN-740-B and KRN-741A.

The evacuation order was lifted Wednesday on zone KRN-747-A.

Borel Fire road and public land closures

Closed lands, roads, trails, and recreation sites around the Borel Fire include:

• Long Valley Campground
• Chimney Creek Campground
• Portions of the Pacific Crest Trail between Highway 178 at Walker Pass (mile 653) and the South Fork of the Kern River bridge
• Portions of Caliente Bodfish Road are also closed

Residents under an evacuation warning or order can go to the Tehachapi Education Center at 126 S. Snyder Ave., Tehachapi which is on standby because no residents have used the service. Animal services are available to assist in sheltering companion animals at the center. Contact the American Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767.

A local assistance center

An assistance center will open for residents affected by the fire on Aug. 10 to Aug. 13 at the Lake Isabella Senior Center, 6401 Lake Isabella Blvd. Lake Isabella. Center hours will be 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Borel Fire: Damage includes historic mining town

The historic gold mining town of Havilah , except for a handful of structures, from the northern edge to the Walker Basin is a complete loss, officials say.

No estimates have been made of how many other structures have been destroyed since the fire started. There are no reported deaths.

Borel Fire weather forecast: Temperatures begin cooling Thursday

A cooling trend begins Thursday with temperatures in the high 90s and low 100s in lower elevations around the fire and upper 80s to low 90s in the higher elevations, according to the Forest Service. Winds will continue from the west and northwest at 8-14 mph. The winds will increase late Thursday afternoon into the evening to 26-28 mph. Winds should calm around 9 p.m.

A daily smoke outlook is produced for communities affected by wildfire smoke here .

James Ward contributed to this story

This is a developing story.

Wes Woods II covers West County for the Ventura County Star. Reach him at wesley.woodsii@vcstar.com , 805-437-0262 or @JournoWes .

This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Update: Kern County Borel Fire 84% contained; evacuations in effect Thursday