Little Fire (2025)
The Little Fire was a wildfire that burned near Lake Isabella, California and Lake Isabella that began on August 22, 2025. On September 5, the fire was fully contained at.
Background
The Little Fire ignited on August 22, 2025, in steep brush near Miracle Hot Springs, California, along the lower Kern River canyon in Kern County.Hot, dry weather and afternoon downslope winds contributed to rapid spread through chaparral and grass fuels, prompting an immediate multi-agency response from state and federal crews.
Progression
The Little Fire was first reported at about 3:03 p.m. PDT on August 22, 2025, near Highway 178, southwest of Lake Isabella in Kern County.By 5:00 PM PDT on August 22, the fire was approximately in size with 0% containment.
By the end of August 23, the fire had burned roughly. State Route 178 between Lake Isabella and Bakersfield was closed in affected sections.
On August 24–25, firefighters conducted burnout operations along canyon walls to slow the advance toward nearby residences and popular recreation sits.
By August 25, acreage was reported at about with containment rising to 93%.
On September 5, 2025, the fire was listed by Cal Fire as 100% contained, with a final area of.
As of September 2025, the cause of the fire remained under investigation by Cal Fire and Kern County Fire investigators.
Impact
Hundreds of residents and campers were placed under evacuation orders and warnings in communities surrounding Lake Isabella and near Miracle Hot Springs.Popular river access points, including Hobo Campground and Miracle Hot Springs, were temporarily closed, and heavy smoke affected air quality in the Kern River Valley and the southern Sierra Nevada.