BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — Multiple fire crews battled a vegetation fire in southwest Bakersfield last night. Arson investigators were also called to the scene, according to the Bakersfield Fire Department.
Multiple fire crews battled a vegetation fire in southwest Bakersfield last night. Arson investigators were also called to the scene, according to the Bakersfield Fire Department. PHOTO: KEY NEWS
Bakersfield and Kern County fire crews responded to a grass fire around 9:30 p.m. on April 17 in a field near Cottonwood Rd. and White Ln. When firefighters arrived, they found flames burning grass and large debris piles.
Bakersfield Fire Battalion Chief Josh Yates said the fire grew to an estimated 10 to 15 acres and involved hazardous waste, creating added dangers for crews.
Yates added the fire was not a typical grass fire due to hazardous waste in the debris piles.
“It contains a lot more hazardous waste, which puts off some extremely toxic smoke that we have to avoid and stay out of,” he said.
The Bakersfield Fire Department said the area is used as an illegal dumping ground and asked people to stop dumping trash there. Yates said the conditions pose a hazard to firefighters, nearby residents, and the surrounding community.
Multiple fire crews battled a vegetation fire in southwest Bakersfield last night. Arson investigators were also called to the scene, according to the Bakersfield Fire Department. PHOTO: KEY NEWS
Yates said the fire is under investigation and arson investigators were called to the scene.