WELDON, Calif. | At approximately 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, December 19, 2024, the Kern County Emergency Communications Center received reports of smoke emanating from a residential building. Fire units were promptly dispatched, with Engine 71 (E71) responding from nearby South Lake. While en route, E71 reported seeing a large column of smoke and flames in the distance, indicating a significant fire at the scene.

As the fire crews made their way to the location, dispatchers updated them with additional information, including a report from neighbors that an elderly occupant may still be inside the residence.

The Captain on Engine 71 made the decisive decision to first stop briefly several homes away and attach to a fire hydrant, ensuring an uninterrupted water supply for the firefighting efforts. Once on scene, firefighters encountered a single-story home with smoke and fire blowing out of all sides of the structure. The firefighters on E71 extend multiple hose lines and utilized the engine’s “Deck Gun,” a nozzle mounted on top of the fire engine capable of delivering hundreds of gallons of water directly into the home. This allowed firefighters to attack the fire from multiple angles while the deck gun provided a continuous stream of water to assist with the suppression.

Despite the absence of a car in the driveway, firefighters prioritized a search for potential victims inside the home. Additional responding units were advised to exercise caution due to the presence of arching power lines across a metal fence surrounding the property. Firefighters entered the building in teams, conducting a thorough search and working to extinguish the flames.

During the operation, safety updates were communicated over radio channels, including a warning about a collapse at the rear of the structure. All personnel on scene remained alert to the hazards and continued to work diligently to suppress the fire.

The fire was declared knocked down after a short time, and a complete search of the property confirmed that no occupants were inside. Firefighters then continued to perform extensive overhaul operations, ensuring that no hidden fire remained within the walls, attic, or furnishings.

No injuries were reported by firefighters or civilians. The three residents of the home were displaced and are currently receiving assistance from the Red Cross. The cause of the fire is undetermined.