Clinica Sierra Vista Set to Resume Operations at Wofford Heights Clinic Following French Fire Evacuations

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. —Clinica Sierra Vista is set to reopen it's location in the Kern River Valley temporarily closed during the French Fire, following evacuation orders that have been lifted. The Kern River Health Center located at 67 Evans Road in Wofford Heights is expected to welcome patients back into the office Thursday, September 2nd beginning at 8am.

This follows more than a week-long closure due to evacuation orders and concerns presented by the French Fire burning in the area. According to fire officials latest update, the French Fire has burned 25,710 acres and is 43% contained.

Following advice from experts and evaluating fire progression mapping and updated/lifted evacuation orders, senior leadership at Clinica Sierra Vista agreed it was safe to reopen the facility to staff and patients. "We have been monitoring this situation hourly since the beginning, and we feel the conditions are safe to resume operations and provide in-person care to our patients," said Stacy Ferreira, Chief Executive Officer at Clinica Sierra Vista. "One of the biggest concerns we have had was air quality in the area, we have taken several steps to ensure the air inside the facility is safe, and we are encouraged the air quality in the area is improving."

Clinica facility crews have replaced air filters, inspected air conditioning systems and ensured the building is safe to reopen.

Patients who had to be rescheduled due to the closure of our medical office building have been offered Telehealth visits. We will continue to offer these types of visits through the opening of our facility, and are working with patients to ensure they have the access they need.

Patients are encouraged to contact (760) 376-2276 with any questions about future appointments or questions related to the reopening of the medical office building. Medical staff are also utilizing MyChart to communicate with patients.

If patients have a medical emergency they are always encouraged to contact 911. Please visit our website clinicasierravista.org for the latest updates.