LAMONT, Calif. | On December 19, 2024, at 4:55 a.m. Kern County firefighters were dispatched to reports of a structure fire on Habecker Road. As they responded, a large orange glow was visible from as far away as Highway 58.

Upon arrival, the crew from Engine 46 discovered a church building, approximately 10,000 square feet in size, engulfed in heavy fire and smoke. Firefighters quickly began efforts to protect nearby homes and large trees from the intense heat. The roof and several walls of the structure collapsed under the flames.

The firefight was spearheaded by an aerial master stream from Truck 41. Using the 100-foot ladder extended high into the air, firefighters sprayed water down onto the inferno, working to suppress it from above. Once the fire was knocked down, crews began searching the scene for potential victims. Fortunately, the building, which was still under construction, was vacant and declared clear.

Due to the significant volume of debris, including heavy, metal roof panels, the incident commander called for the assistance of KCFD Fire Heavy Equipment Specialists. The experienced operators used their powerful machinery to break apart the rubble, enabling crews to fully extinguish the fire.

No injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.