ROSAMOND, Calif., Thursday, June 6, Kern County firefighters were dispatched to the area of Gaskell Rd and 100th Street West after multiple calls came into the Emergency Communications Center for reports of smoke and fire in the area. Engine and Patrol 15, from KCFD Station 15, were first to arrive and encountered a 12-acre fire with a rapid rate of spread. The wind-driven fire was a threat to multiple properties and had already ignited a stockpile of wire slated to be used during the construction of a nearby solar farm project. Some firefighters were assigned to extinguish the perimeter of the fire while others were assigned to protect structures. The crews may have had different tasks, but the mission was the same: stop the uncontrolled spread of the fire and protect the homes.

Firefighters from Kern County and LA County fire departments battled together to stop the forward spread of the fire. It had burned approximately two million dollars worth of construction materials, but six homes, other construction materials, and an entire solar farm were saved due to the firefighters’ discerning actions. 403 acres were burned. No injuries were reported. The cause is under investigation.