A brush fire erupted overnight in the Lebec area, affecting traffic on the southbound 5 Freeway near Fort Tejon Road. The fire, dubbed the Fort Fire, was first reported shortly before 11:30 p.m. on Wednesday and by 4 a.m. Thursday, it had scorched 175 acres, according to the Kern County Fire Department.
The blaze has prompted evacuation warnings for the area of Digier Canyon in Lebec. Residents have been urged to be ready to leave if necessary, as conditions can change rapidly. The fire, which is currently 5% contained, is causing significant traffic delays on the Grapevine. At least one lane is closed, and a line of cars is backed up through the area. The California Highway Patrol has advised commuters to expect delays and give emergency crews space to work.
Firefighters are actively battling the blaze, with a helicopter en route to assist. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but it reportedly started as a vehicle fire on the southbound I-5, which spread to nearby grass, initially covering half an acre. Firefighters quickly contained the vehicle fire, but the brush fire continued to spread…