The Bakersfield FIRE Department Public Information Office:

Sunday, May 18, 2008 @ 1700 hrs (5:00 p.m. PST) a reinforced 1st alarm f rom the Bakersf ield FIRE Department consisting of 3 Engines, 2 Trucks 1 Squad, 2 Battalion Commanders, 1 Arson Unit, and various BFD support units responded to a reported structure f ire at 3513 Huachuca Way, in south­west Bakersf ield. First arriving BFD Engine Companies reported heavy smoke issuing f rom all sides of a single­story, single­family residential structure. The f irst arriving Chief  Off icer requested a reinforced 1 st alarm.

BFD Engine Company Firef ighters rapidly deployed multiple hose lines to the interior of  the structure and made a direct attack on a spreading f ire. BFD Truck Company Firef ighters were deployed to the roof for vertical ventilation, and expertly utilized power saws to vent smoke and heat f rom the building. Additional BFD Firef ighters were
aggressively deployed to conduct search and rescue and reinf orce interior operations. Firef ighters located and rescued a cat, and treated it for respiratory distress and moderate burns to its paws.

The occupants of the structure were home at the time the blaze broke out, but had safely evacuated prior to BFD arrival.

Current damage estimates are in the $125,000 range.

BFD Arson Units are currently investigating the cause of  the blaze.

There were no civilian or Firef ighter injuries. The feline is expected to make a full recovery.