Wednesday, May 14, 2008, 0654 hrs (6:54 a.m. PST) a re-enforced 1st alarm from the Bakersfield FIRE Department consisting of 3 Engines, 2 Trucks, 1 Squad, 1 Battalion Chief, 1 arson unit and various support units responded to a report of structure fire at  a southeast Bakersfield location. First arriving companies found smoke emitting from the
front door of an approximate 1200 sq. ft house. A female was trying to assist a disable male from the home. Firefighters safely evacuated both occupants from the home. 
 
Bakersfield city FIRE crews advanced attack lines in the front door and found a single room fully involved with fire.  The lines were placed to protect the rest of the house and any other potential residents. The fire was knocked down in approximately 6 minutes. BFD and County firefighters provided ventilation to evacuate the heat and salvage
efforts to reduce damage to the homes contents.
 
A female resident of the home received minor burns to her feet, but refused transport to the hospital. The two residents of the home were displaced due to the fire. Damage to the home was approximately $25,000
 
A BFD arson unit was called to the scene, but initial reports indicate that the fire was started by an unattended candle in the bedroom. The house did not appear to have a working smoke detector.