Update (May 19, 6:10 p.m.)
Cal Fire reports that the Democrat Fire has now grown to 1,000 acres. The mouth of the canyon remains closed.

Update (May 19, 11:33 a.m.)
The U.S. Forest Service – Sequoia National Forest said the Democrat Fire broke out around 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 18.

At that time, the fire had reached 450 acres. Firefighting teams from the U.S. Forest Service, Kern County Fire Department, and Bureau of Land Management were working together to contain the blaze.

The mouth of the canyon continues to be closed due to heightened mudslide risks, the Forest Service stated.

Cal Fire confirmed that the fire had spread to 450 acres with 0% containment. According to the California Highway Patrol, Highway 178 at the canyon’s mouth would remain closed until at least 8 a.m. Monday morning, May 19, 2025.

A fast-moving vegetation fire has forced the closure of Highway 178 at the canyon’s entrance, the California Highway Patrol reported. The ongoing blaze has prompted the rapid deployment of multiple firefighting units and emergency responders.

Firefighters from Kern County and the Sequoia National Forest are currently on scene. Up canyon winds have fueled the flames, causing the fire to grow to more than 200 acres earlier in the day.

Authorities are urging motorists to avoid the area and use alternative routes while crews continue their containment efforts. More updates will follow as new details emerge.

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