ROSAMOND, Calif., On November 2nd, 2023, at approximately 5:20 a.m. Kern County firefighters were dispatched to a report of a medical emergency. As the firefighters responded, further information gathered by dispatch reported this as a structure fire with a trapped victim. The call was upgraded to a reinforced structure fire and 3 additional fire engines were added to the response.

When they arrived on scene, the engine crew observed a single-story house with no signs of smoke or fire visible from the street. There was, however, a smell of smoke in the cold, early-morning air. Firefighters quickly pulled a hoseline to the front door and prepared to force entry into the home. The captain began a 360-degree perimeter check of the house and detected smoke coming from an attic vent. The leader of the crew swiftly went into rescue mode, taking his firefighter inside through the forced front door. Smoke had completely filled the interior space, ceiling to floor. Smoke alarms were sounding. The 2-person search team advanced into the house. Flashlights and thermal imaging cameras were utilized to search the area as they went. As they reached the kitchen the fire was discovered through the smoke and with quick bursts from the hoseline the flames were knocked down.

Refusing to deviate from their priority, the search for the victim continued. Down the hallway they went. Upon reaching the second room, they discovered a victim on the floor just inside the doorway. Every ounce of their strength was used as they retraced their steps with the victim in their hands. Straining for the fresh air of the outdoors, they reached their destination and patient care was started. The patient was immediately loaded into a waiting ambulance and transported to the hospital.

As additional fire crews arrived, the remainder of the house was searched, and the fire completely extinguished. No other victims were discovered.

Our hearts go out to the family and loved ones of the victim, who at the hospital was pronounced deceased. All inquiries regarding the deceased will be handled by the Kern County Sheriff Coroner’s Office. The cause of the fire was investigated and found to be accidental. No further injuries were reported.