North County Fire Protection District dispatched one engine and five personnel on Wednesday to the southwest Tehachapi area to assist in battling the West Fire that has consumed 1,658 acres, destroyed 23 residences and damaged eight others, destroyed 41 outbuildings/other items and damaged six other items.

The fire began at approximately 3 p.m. on Tuesday and due to another fire being fought in the same jurisdiction, the Bull Fire, Kern County Fire Department called for help from other districts.

"They were already battling the Bull Fire which has burned 10,000-plus acres," said John Buchanan, public information officer for North County Fire. Advertisement

[ Christ the King Lutheran Church ] Buchanan was dispatched to the scene to support the public information aspect

"North County Fire also sent Captain Randy Meers, Engineer Rick Moramarco, and Firefighter/Paramedics Mick Iglesias and John Choi," said Buchanan.

While Buchanan remains on scene, he said the other four were released to return to Fallbrook at 9 a.m. this morning as the West Fire is now 85 percent contained.

"It's about a five hour trip," said Buchanan.

Other North County area fire districts that sent support to Tehachapi include Camp Pendleton, Vista, Oceanside, Carlsbad, and Escondido, he said.

Full containment of the West Fire is expected by August 1.