Rowlee

Rowlee Fire Report - May 15, 2026

Fire Start, Size and Growth

Start Date/Time/Location: The Rowlee Fire ignited on May 14, 2026, around 4:25 p.m., near West Garces Highway and Rowlee Road in Kern County, near the Tulare County line.
Size and Containment: As of May 15, 2026, the fire has burned approximately 2,520 acres and remains at 0% containment.
Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread: The fire is burning primarily in light, flashy fuels and has been spreading at a moderate rate. It quickly grew from an initial report of over 100 acres to its current size of 2,520 acres.
Containment Efforts: The Kern County Fire Department is the primary agency having jurisdiction, though Tulare County resources have also been added due to the fire's proximity to the county line. Firefighters have requested additional resources, including wildland engines, dozers, and water tenders, to help halt the forward progress. Note that while this is not a CAL FIRE incident, it is being tracked on their statewide dashboard.

Emergency Information

Evacuations and Sheltering:
Mandatory Evacuation Orders: A mandatory evacuation was requested by Incident Command for areas south of Garces Highway and west of Thornton Road. An Evacuation Order was initially issued for Genasys Zone 2902-Rowlee, though reports indicate this order was rescinded late on May 14.
Evacuation Warnings: Residents in surrounding areas should remain on high alert and be prepared to leave if conditions change.
Evacuation Shelters and Information: Residents can check their specific evacuation status using the Genasys Evacuation Map.

Road and Infrastructure Closures:

• Garces Highway was shut down by law enforcement from Thornton Road to about 1 mile west of Thornton Road.
• Residents are advised to avoid the area to allow emergency personnel and heavy equipment clear access.

For more information, visit:

• CAL FIRE Incidents Page
• Kern County Fire Department
• Genasys Protect Evacuation Map

Current Impact

Impacts:
Injuries and Fatalities: There have been no reported injuries or fatalities associated with the Rowlee Fire at this time.
Structures Impacted: There are currently no reports of structures damaged or destroyed by the Rowlee Fire.
School and Business Closures: No specific school or business closures have been announced in relation to this incident.
Notable Impacts: The fire is burning in rural areas near the Kern and Tulare county line, primarily impacting vegetation and local traffic due to road closures.

Safety Concerns:
Power Outages: No significant power outages have been reported in connection with this fire.
Water Safety: No specific water safety concerns have been reported.
Burn Bans: Residents should adhere to local fire restrictions and burn bans typical for the onset of the dry season.
Air Quality: Smoke from the fire may affect local air quality. Residents, especially those with respiratory conditions, are advised to stay indoors and limit outdoor activities if smoke is visible or smelled.

Ongoing Outlook

Containment Projections: The fire remains at 0% containment. Fire crews are actively working to establish control lines using dozers and wildland engines.
Weather and Wind Warnings: The weather in Kern County is currently sunny with temperatures in the mid-60s to high 80s and humidity dropping to around 30%. While there are no specific severe wind warnings for the immediate fire area today, CAL FIRE notes that Red Flag conditions (warm temperatures, very low humidities, and stronger winds) are a persistent risk across the state, which could exacerbate fire danger.

Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate

Cause: The cause of the Rowlee Fire is currently under investigation.
Weather and Climate: The fire's rapid spread to 2,520 acres was fueled by light, flashy fuels that have dried out. California's seasonal outlook indicates a steady warming and drying trend, with curing herbaceous fuels across lower elevations supporting increased fire activity. These dry conditions, combined with warming temperatures, create an environment highly susceptible to rapid wildfire growth.

For more information, visit:

• CAL FIRE Incidents Page
• Kern County Fire Department
• Watch Duty - Wildfire Maps & Alerts