Bakersfield, United States - June 05, 2025 06/04/2025 11:30 pm GMT-0700 Lebec – The Fort Fire broke out Wednesday night around 11:30 p.m. on the southbound side of Interstate 5 near Fort Tejon Road, just north of the rest area in Lebec. The blaze is burning near a critical stretch of freeway known as the Grapevine, impacting traffic heading south from Bakersfield. Fire crews from multiple agencies - including wildland firefighters, Kern County Fire, and Los Angeles County Fire — are battling the flames both from the ground and the air. A helicopter has been seen dropping water on the fire, which is burning through steep terrain with a moderate rate of spread. As of the latest report, the fire has charred an estimated 130 acres, with minimal containment. Evacuation warnings have been issued for Kern Zones 535 and 539, according to alerts sent out through Watch Duty and Genasys, though official confirmation from fire authorities remains pending. Traffic is impacted in the area. Some southbound lanes of I-5 are closed as the fire burns near the roadway, with California Highway Patrol and Caltrans slowing traffic. Southbound congestion is growing, and drivers heading up the Grapevine from Bakersfield should expect delays or consider alternate routes.