Wind could worsen Sequoia fire

SEQUOIA NATIONAL FOREST, Calif. - A wildfire that has burned about 3,900 acres of grass, brush and wooded areas in Sequoia National Forest was about 30 percent contained Tuesday afternoon, but officials worried about winds predicted for later in the evening.

Gusty winds and low humidity helped spread the Goldledge Fire that began Sunday about 10 miles north of Kernville, said Geri Adams, a U.S. Forest Service spokeswoman.

Winds were predicted in the area at 50-to-60 miles per hour Tuesday, she said.

"That'll definitely hamper our firefighting efforts. The winds can throw the fire ahead of our containment efforts," Adams said, adding that the winds also could make it hard for air tankers and helicopters to fly over the flames.

Authorities believe the blaze was started by someone across the street from the Goldledge Campgrounds, Adams said. They had no suspects, and the cause remained under investigation.

On Monday, officials asked residents in a recreation area called Horse Meadow to evacuate about 20 cabins and trailers after the fire came within a mile from the private property. Firefighters were able to keep the flames away from nearby Kern River Golden Trout Resort.

About 800 firefighters from Kern and Los Angeles counties, California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, the

The wooded area, at an altitude of 7,000 feet, is home to a mix of different pine trees, the California spotted owl and the weasellike Pacific fisher, Adams said.

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