Pistachio

Pistachio Fire Report - July 11, 2026

Fire Start, Size and Growth

Start Date/Time/Location: The Pistachio Fire was first discovered at 10:02 a.m. on Saturday, July 11, 2026. The fire ignited in Kern County, California, specifically near the intersection of Highway 33 and Brown Material Road.
Size and Containment: As of the latest updates on July 11, 2026, the fire has burned approximately 1,025 acres and is currently 0% contained.
Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread: The fire is burning on private land. It exhibited a rapid rate of spread shortly after ignition, growing from an initial report of 275 acres to 1,025 acres within a matter of hours. The spread is being fueled by extremely dry vegetation and hot summer conditions.
Containment Efforts: The Kern County Fire Department is the primary Agency Having Jurisdiction. While it is not a direct CAL FIRE incident, CAL FIRE is actively tracking the fire. Currently, no formal incident management team has been assigned, and firefighters are focusing on initial attack strategies to establish a perimeter.

Emergency Information

Evacuations and Sheltering:
Mandatory Evacuation Orders: There are currently no mandatory evacuation orders in place.
Evacuation Warnings: An evacuation warning has been issued for zone KRN-219-A. This indicates a potential threat to life and/or property. Residents who require additional time to evacuate, as well as those with pets and livestock, should leave now.
Evacuation Shelters and Information: Official evacuation shelters have not yet been announced. Residents are advised to monitor local authorities for shelter-in-place or evacuation updates.

Road and Infrastructure Closures:

• There are currently no official major road closures reported. However, residents and travelers are strongly advised to avoid Highway 33 and Brown Material Road to allow emergency vehicles and fire apparatus safe access to the area.

For more information, visit:

• CAL FIRE's Active Incidents Page
• Kern County Fire Department Official Website
• ALERTCalifornia Camera Feeds

Current Impact

Impacts:
Injuries and Fatalities: There are currently no reported injuries or fatalities associated with the Pistachio Fire.
Structures Impacted: At this time, no structures have been reported as damaged or destroyed.
School and Business Closures: There are no school or business closures reported at this time.
Notable Impacts: The fire is primarily burning on private land. No notable public structures or landmarks have been impacted.

Safety Concerns:
Power Outages: There are no widespread power outages officially linked to the Pistachio Fire at this time.
Water Safety: No specific water safety concerns have been reported.
Burn Bans: Standard peak-season fire restrictions and county-issued burn bans are in effect, restricting all outdoor burning due to extreme fire danger.
Air Quality: Smoke from the rapidly growing fire may pose health risks to the surrounding areas. Residents, particularly those with respiratory conditions, children, and the elderly, are advised to stay indoors, keep windows closed, and monitor local air quality advisories.

Ongoing Outlook

Containment Projections: Containment remains at 0%. Firefighters face a challenging initial attack due to the fire's rapid growth to 1,025 acres. Crews will continue working through the day and night to establish containment lines, though efforts may be complicated by the extreme heat.
Weather and Wind Warnings: Kern County is experiencing extreme heat, with daytime temperatures hovering around 100°F (38°C) and very low relative humidity dropping to between 18% and 24%. While no specific Red Flag Warnings are currently isolated to this exact fire footprint, the hot, dry conditions are highly conducive to continued fire spread and remain a primary concern for first responders.

Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate

Cause: The cause of the Pistachio Fire is currently under investigation.
Weather and Climate: The fire is being heavily influenced by extreme mid-summer weather. California is currently experiencing a pattern of above-normal temperatures and below-normal precipitation. This prolonged heatwave has severely dried out herbaceous fuels and vegetation across the lower elevations of Kern County, making the landscape highly receptive to ignition and rapid, intense fire spread.

For more information, visit:

• CAL FIRE's Active Incidents Page
• Kern County Fire Department Official Website
• ALERTCalifornia Camera Feeds