RIDGECREST, Calif. | On the morning of November 27, 2025, Thanksgiving Day, Kern County Fire Department Crews received a call for black smoke coming from a residence. A reinforced structure fire response was started. Resources responded from 5 different stations, including firefighters from as far away as Lake Isabella.

Upon arrival, crews found a two-story single-family structure with smoke coming from the roof, gable end vents, and the eves to the rear of the structure. A coordinated aggressive fire attack took place as crews simultaneously commenced in a search for victims, fire extinguishment, and vertical ventilation. Vertical ventilation is where holes are cut in the roof to allow smoke and hot air to escape the interior thus minimizing damage and making the area safer for firefighters. The fire burned for approximately 25 minutes due to heavy smoke conditions all the way down to the floor on the ground level creating zero visibility in the structure. Crews remained on scene for approximately 3 hours to complete overhaul and minimize water damage to the structure. Ridgecrest PD assisted the Kern County Fire Department.