Shell Fire 2% contained after being caused by car fire on 5 Freeway, burning 1.2K acres in Grapevine

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Monday, June 28, 2021
Shell Fire burns 1,200 acres near Grapevine in Kern County
The so-called Shell Fire was only 2% contained after burning 1,200 acres after coming dangerously close to drivers on the 5 Freeway in the Grapevine in Kern County.

GRAPEVINE, Calif. (KABC) -- The so-called Shell Fire was only 2% contained after burning 1,200 acres after coming dangerously close to drivers on the 5 Freeway in the Grapevine in Kern County.

No injuries or vehicle damage were reported, and the freeway was open in both directions on Monday morning.

According to Cal Fire, the blaze erupted at about 1 p.m. Sunday just south of Grapevine Road. Multiple agencies have responded to the incident, including firefighters from Kern County and Ventura County fire departments, the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management.

No evacuation orders have been issued.

The wildfire was sparked by a car fire that broke out on the northbound side of the 5 Freeway, according to Kern County fire officials.

Being cautious during the summer months can help prevent heat related illness.

The brush fire began amid extreme heat and low humidity in Southern California.

Elevated fire conditions are expected to be in place at least through Friday, and fire-starting lightning is possible Tuesday through Friday.