Jaw Fire and Democrat Fire burn over 1 650 ha (4 000 acres) in Kern County, California

The Jaw Fire was first reported at approximately 14:23 local time (LT) on May 19, in Kern County, near Kelso Valley Road and Jawbone Canyon Road, north of Tehachapi.

The fire was initially reported at approximately 40.5 ha (100 acres) on May 19 and expanded to about 121 ha (300 acres) later the same day. By the evening of May 20, the blaze had rapidly grown, burning more than 1 295 ha (3 200 acres) of land.

As of the morning of May 20, the fire was 20 % contained, with air tankers being deployed for suppression efforts.

The Democrat Fire also continues to burn in Kern County alongside the Jaw Fire. It was first reported at approximately 15:39 LT on May 18, along Highway 178 near the Upper Richbar Picnic Area in Sequoia National Forest.

The fire was initially reported at approximately 16 ha (40 acres) and has since grown to 362 ha (895 acres) and is 50 % contained.

The causes of both fires remain under investigation. No structures are currently under threat. Firefighters continue suppression efforts. Several smaller wildfires have also been reported across the state.

Rishav Kothari

I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.

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