Spencer Shepard | spencer@kvsun.com
BAKERSFIELD — The River Fire burning in Kern Canyon reached 90% containment, according to the National Interagency Fire Center, as Highway 178 remained open to traffic Wednesday.
The fire has burned 3,534.9 acres.
Both the California Highway Patrol and Caltrans continued to show Highway 178 open after the roadway was temporarily closed earlier this week as firefighters battled the fast-moving wildfire in steep terrain west of the Kern River Valley.
The closure had disrupted the primary travel route between the Kern River Valley and Bakersfield, forcing motorists to use alternate routes until conditions improved.
With containment now at 90%, firefighters continued mop-up and suppression repair operations in the burn area, though motorists traveling through Kern Canyon are still urged to remain alert for fire personnel and equipment in the area.