Bakersfield Fire to bill licensed adult care facilities for non-emergency help-up calls

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — The Bakersfield Fire Department said that starting July 1, 2026, the department will begin billing licensed adult care facilities for non-emergency help-up calls where no injury or medical problem exists.

In a social media post, the department said, “This change is intended to encourage facilities with capable staff to assist residents quickly, while helping keep fire crews available for higher-priority emergencies.”

In the social media post, a flyer said that help-up calls are a lower-priority response than emergency incidents.

The policy update applies only to licensed adult care facilities in Bakersfield. It does not apply to private homes or families.

If there is an injury, illness, or emergency, call 911.