Tehachapi News

Firefighters save 12 homes from grass fire in Keene

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Keene, CA – On Monday, May 25th, 2009 at approximately 3:21 P.M., a call was received by the Kern County Fire Department for a grass fire in the backyard off Tehachapi Woodford Rd in the El Rita area.

Approximately 56 Kern County Firefighters responded to the blaze assisted by Forest
service Helicopter and crew. Upon arrival, fire crews were faced with an area of approximately 2 acres of grass and heavy brush burning upslope with developing winds threatening approximately 12 homes.

Fast response by fire crews using hose lines and hand tools making a direct attack on the fire prevented it from spreading to nearby homes and unburned areas. The fire was contained to approximately 6 acres. 

There were no reported injuries. One out building was destroyed in the blaze with no estimate of cost at this time. The cause of the fire is undetermined.

Kern County Fire would like to remind you to utilize 100 feet of defensible space around your home.