Castle Fire jumps to 5,000 acres. Tulare County sheriff issues voluntary evacuation notices

Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux on Monday issued voluntary evacuation orders for Camp Nelson and Ponderosa in the southern Sierra Nevada due to the Castle Fire.

The two communities are in the path of the lightning-caused blaze, which overnight grew to 5,000 acres, according to Sequoia National Forrest officials. Deputies were reported to be going door-to-door, urging residents to leave. Forrest Service officials are planning a community meeting at 6 p. m. Tuesday.

The fire is reported to be moving farther into the Golden Trout Wilderness in the Sequoia Forrest, advancing toward the Inyo National Forrest. It has crossed the Little Kern River.

About 175 firefighters are facing hazardous conditions in steep, rocky terrain, along with 100-degree temperatures and erratic fire behavior caused by shifting winds.

Fire resources are limited due to dozens of other state fires. The Shotgun Fire, also located in the Golden Trout Wilderness, has grown to 200 acres.

Visitors are cautioned to drive slowly and watch for firefighters and equipment.

This story was originally published August 24, 2020 at 11:05 AM.