Fire crews in California gain upper hand in battling Kearney Fire

NEVADA COUNTY, Calif. (NBC, KYMA) - Firefighters in Nevada County, California jumped into action yesterday after the Kearney Fire quickly spread in the area, forcing some people from their homes.

The fire crews were able to get the upper hand on the fire, but not before a fair amount of property damage, and fire officials say the fire shows exactly why people should heed evacuation orders.

A brush fire in Nevada County prompting evacuation orders for a few hours Tuesday afternoon.

Exclusive images from Live Copter 3 showing the damage, with the ground scorched, and some cars and other items could be seen on fire.

Cal Fire says they were able to get a handle of the flames before it spread even further.

"The crews made really good progress out there," said Robert Fox with Cal Fire. "A lot of engines, dozers, hand crews, aircraft are here assisting, and have done a great job to stop that progress of the fire."

Cal Fire says the fire grew to just over 41 acres, burning south of highway 20, near Big Oak Valley and east of Smartsville.

Live Copter 3 shows the line of pink retardant that was dropped to prevent the fire from growing.

Now, fire crews are focused on assessing the damage.

"They're going through the entire fire area to determine and make sure if any structures were destroyed and if so, what those structures were," Fox shared.

Cal Fire says this fire sends a clear message for residents: If you're told to leave, go.

"If there's a fire in your area and you're asked to evacuate, please do so," Fox expressed. "It just makes our job as firefighters so much easier when we can concentrate on getting that fire put out instead of evacuating the public from the area."

As of Wednesday, the Kearney Fire is 50% contained, Cal Fire says. To keep up-to-date on the fire, click here.