EDWARDS, Calif. | The Kern County Fire Department is deeply saddened to report a tragic loss of life following a devastating residential structure fire that occurred early this morning.

At approximately 12:14 a.m., emergency calls began flooding into the Kern County Emergency Communications Center, reporting a home fully engulfed in flames, with several occupants possibly still inside. Kern County Firefighters along with firefighters from Edwards Air Force Base were immediately dispatched to the scene.

Upon arrival, the structure was found to be fully involved with fire. Flames were threatening neighboring homes on both sides, and a building located behind the residence was already approximately 50% involved. The scene was chaotic, with numerous neighbors gathered outside and conflicting information being relayed to first responders.

To complicate the situation, live electrical lines had fallen, posing significant hazards to both firefighters and concerned citizens attempting to assist. Due to the severity of the fire, additional firefighting resources and ambulances were requested.

A coordinated and aggressive firefighting effort was launched to contain the fire. The main fire was knocked down, and firefighters could continue their efforts to locate and rescue possible occupants inside the residence.

Tragically, despite the efforts of responding crews, preliminary search results indicate the discovery of one adult and four minors inside the burned home. Final identification and confirmation will be determined by the Kern County Sheriff Coroner. One adult and three minors were able to escape the fire and are uninjured.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the Kern County Fire Department’s Arson Investigation Unit in coordination with partner agencies.

The Kern County Fire Department asks the public to keep the impacted family in their thoughts during this incredibly difficult time.

*Investigation Updates*

The Kern County Fire Department’s investigation of the destructive and tragic fire that occurred on April 10, 2025, on Claymine Road in Edwards, where the bodies of five (5) victims were discovered continues.

The KCFD is committed to providing verified information as it becomes available. The following facts represent the current findings of the investigation, including information that has been confirmed and clarifications on areas where confirmation is not possible at this time:

*Update on May 7th, 2025* 

1.    Cause of Fire:

The cause of the fire remains undetermined.     

2.    Arson:

Arson is not suspected.     

3.    Potential Equipment Malfunction:

Investigators were unable to rule out a potential malfunction involving a hot water heater located in the area where the fire is believed to have originated.     

4.    Structural Modifications:

The residence included an additional room that was not part of the original building design.     

5.    Location of Victims:

All five (5) victims were located in the area of the northeast (NE) bedroom. This bedroom was part of the original structure and not part of any add-on or modification.     

6.    Smoke Detectors:

Investigators found no evidence indicating the presence of working smoke detectors in the residence at the time of the fire.        

7.   Property Owner:

Robin D. Vanderpool

*Update on May 15th, 2025*

8. Victim Awareness:
Based on the available evidence, it is believed that all victims were awake and aware of the fire at the time of the incident. There are no indications that they were asleep when the fire occurred.

9. Victim Location Additional Details
The victims were found in two separate bedrooms in the NE corner of the structure. Windows were present in both bedrooms where victims were found.

10. Fire Origin and Egress Impact:
The area of fire origin likely contributed to the loss of egress through a nearby door as the fire progressed. Additionally, fire and smoke conditions were likely significant factors affecting egress throughout the residence.

11. Survivor Egress:

In addition to the fatalities, three adolescents were inside the structure and were able to self-extricate during the early stages of the fire. They exited through the door located on the west side of the structure.