Tuesday, May 20, 2008 @ 1638 hrs (6:38 a.m. PST) a reinf orced 1st alarm f rom the Bakersf ield FIRE Department consisting of 3 Engines, 2 Trucks 1 Squad, 2 Battalion Commanders, 1 Deputy Command Chief, 1 Arson Unit, county f ire units, and various BFD support units responded to a reported structure f ire at 1621 Miller Street, in east­
central Bakersf ield. First arriving BFD Engine Companies reported a fully involved multi­f amily residential structure, and a “working f ire” in progress. The f irst arriving Chief  Off icer requested a reinforced 1 st alarm.

Bakersf ield FIRE crews noted heavy involvement in a single unit of an abandoned triplex type residential complex, with f ire threatening the other connected units. BFD Engine Company Firef ighters laid large diameter supply lines across connecting streets f rom nearby fire hydrants for pumping operations. Firef ighters also rapidly deployed
multiple hose lines to the interior of  the common structure and began a f rontal assault on the blaze, stopping its horizontal spread. BFD Truck Company and county Firef ighters were deployed to assist with ventilation of smoke and heat f rom the building.

All three (3) units in the triplex were conf irmed to be vacant. Current damage estimates are in the $50,000 range.

BFD Arson Units are currently investigating reports that several juveniles were seen near the structure immediately prior to the f ire and leaving the area by bus.

There were no civilian or Firef ighter injuries.