KERN COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT P RESS RELEASE

SOUTH LAKE, CA - February 12th 2009 approximately 11:10 A.M., a call was received by the Kern County Fire Department for a structure fire in the 3400 block of Cholla Drive in South Lake.  Approximately 21 Kern County Firefighters assisted by a crew from the US Forest Service responded to the incident.

Upon arrival, crews were faced with 2 mobile homes positioned closely together, separated by an elevated walkway. 1 part of the structure was becoming fully involved in fire and very quickly spreading into the other mobile home. A fire crew made an initial attack of the fire from the exterior; a second crew made entry into the structure to check for occupants and extinguish the fire.

2 adults and 4 children were displaced by the fire, which destroyed an estimated $175,000.00 of property and contents value. There were no reported injuries, however, a pet cat died as a result of the blaze. Red Cross is assisting with the families needs.

The cause of the fire is under investigation. However, open doors to a wood burning stove which was left unattended cannot be ruled out as a possible cause of ignition. The Kern County Fire Department would like to take this opportunity to remind residents of the dangers of any unattended fire and that sparks from a fire may ignite adjacent furniture if not protected by a fire screen.

For further news and information visit www.kerncountyfire.com

Sean Collins
Public Information Officer