ROSAMOND, Calif. | On December 27, 2024, at 6:34 a.m., Kern County firefighters responded to reports of a structure fire on 100th St. West. Heavy black smoke was visible from a distance, and powerful winds blew as firefighters arrived at the scene. An ambulance was requested due to reports of potential victims.

Upon arrival, Engine 15 and Medic Squad 15 discovered multiple structures, including a residence, engulfed in flames. The fire was rapidly spreading through vegetation and massive amounts of debris, driven by relentless winds. Firefighters immediately began pulling hoselines and searching for victims. Fortunately, the homeowners confirmed that all occupants of the residence had evacuated.

The firefight unfolded under extreme conditions. At one point, firefighters lost all visibility due to thick smoke and turbulent winds. Amidst the chaos, crews noticed an individual igniting multiple fires nearby. Arson investigators were dispatched to the scene. Smoke and desert sand, carried by winds exceeding 40 miles per hour, created a relentless assault on the responders.

Adding to the challenge, there was no immediate water supply in the area. Firefighters relied on three water tenders to shuttle water to fire engines, which supplied hoselines stretched around the blaze. Despite the difficult conditions, the firefighters halted the fire’s advance.

A KCFD dozer provided critical assistance by spreading out and exposing the smoldering debris. After several hours of grueling, labor-intensive work, firefighters extinguished the last embers.

At 7:30 a.m., KCFD Arson Investigators arrested Stephanie Burko, a transient, after she was observed by KCFD crews igniting multiple fires near the structure fire. Burko was taken into custody and transferred to Kern County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) deputies at the scene. She was then transported to the Laredo receiving facility.

Burko was arrested on the following charges: one count of PC 451(b) — arson of an inhabited structure, and one count of PC 451(c) — arson of forest land.

The two residents were transported by ambulance to the hospital with minor injuries. No firefighters were injured.