BAKERSFIELD, Calif., This morning, Kern County and Bakersfield firefighters were dispatched to the area of Washington St. and E. Brundage Ln. for reports of a building engulfed in flames. When they arrived, they were faced with a large warehouse, approximately 30,000 square feet in size with a quarter of the structure involved in flames. Firefighters used large hoselines and an aerial stream from a ladder truck to push back the heavy fire. The massive, steel warehouse buckled under the heat of the fire, collapsing in on itself. Mixed contents, including flares and hand sanitizers burned hot within the structure. 

Due to an inability for firefighters to safely enter the structure, Kern County Fire Heavy Equipment Operators were requested and responded with a backhoe and a dozer. The heavy, collapsed, steel structure was systematically dismantled, allowing firefighters to reach inside with their hose streams. Where it was safe to do so, firefighters used K12, fire-rescue saws to open up the metal walls, further exposing more of the burning materials inside. 

The rigorous task of extinguishment will require firefighters to remain on scene, working into the afternoon. Light smoke may be visible until total extinguishment is achieved. 

No injuries have been reported and the cause is under investigation.