Kern County Fire Department Press Release

BAKERSFIELD, CA - Wednesday December 10th 2008 at approximately 1:58 P.M., a call was received by the Kern County Fire Department, for a structure fire in the 5200 block of College Avenue in East Bakersfield. 15 Kern County Firefighters responded to the incident, assisted by Bakersfield City Fire Department. Their quick actions prevented the fire from spreading throughout the house and was extinguished in approximately 25 minutes.

Upon arrival, fire crews were faced with a small fire in the kitchen which was quickly spreading into the attic. Firefighters entered the building to ensure that all occupants were out, and extinguish the fire; simultaneously a second fire crew ventilated the structure from the roof which assisted with the rapid knockdown of the fire. Fire fighters saved approximately $150,000.00 of property. However, the fire destroyed an estimated $30,000.00 of property.

The cause of the fire was determined to be unattended cooking on the kitchen stove. There were no reported injuries.

4 adults and 1 child were at home at the time of the fire, all escaped safely. The Kern County Fire Department would like to take this opportunity to remind residents to have at least 1 working smoke detector in the home.

For more news and information visit www.kerncountyfire.org