By Laura Austin News Review Staff Writer–
Monday at 12:34 PM, Kern County firefighters, with seven engines, three patrols, seven specialty equipment, and 24 personnel, responded to a residential structure fire reported by numerous persons on North Brown Road just north of Inyokern, CA.
Upon arrival, firefighters encountered a single-story, single-family dwelling with heavy smoke and fire coming from the structure. Initial reports received by the Kern County Emergency Communications Center stated that there were possibly two individuals trapped inside the residents. Firefighters’ first actions were to attempt a rescue operation for the possible victims and start with a primary search.
The search proved extremely difficult due to severe restrictions. Massive amounts of trash, debris, and personal belongings inside and around the residence littered the grounds and dwellings and surrounded the area. One seasoned firefighter told the News Review that he had never seen so much trash in all his career. “It was piled several feet high everywhere around the property,” he said.
A verbal “all clear” was eventually obtained after a strenuous search and a confirmation after speaking to the homeowner via telephone, who was not in the home.
/ Laura Austin Photo
The fire destroyed the home and many personal belongings in the yard before being extinguished.
A KCFD dozer and China Lake Fire Department were requested to assist on the scene with overhaul. No injuries were reported. Damage was estimated at $65,000. The cause of the blaze was undetermined at press time.
