MARICOPA, Calif., Thursday afternoon, Kern County firefighters responded to reports of a structure on fire. Our Emergency Communication Center received information stating that a grass fire may have also started as a result of the burning building. At that time the response was augmented to include a response of wildland firefighting equipment as well.

Upon arrival, firefighters encountered a wall of flames coming from a fully involved double-wide mobile home. The first KCFD Captain on scene took on the role of Incident Commander, directing his crew with the appropriate action to take while simultaneously providing important updates to incoming resources. The fire was not spreading through grass as reported so the wildland fire equipment was canceled. A real threat did exist for three nearby homes. Firefighters extended hoselines to protect the other homes from catching fire. As more firefighters arrived the main fire could be knocked back and crews could begin searching for victims. The structure of origin and a vehicle were destroyed before the fire could be extinguished. No other homes were damaged, and no victims were found during searches. No injuries were reported on scene by civilians or firefighters. The cause is under investigation.

Photos by Doug Keeler of The Taft Midway Driller