Local firefighters assist with Tehachapi blaze

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,...