Kern County Fire welcomes a study showing local towns are among dozens in the state that could be consumed by wildfire, just like Paradise in last year’s Camp Fire. Spokesman Andrew Freeborn says many places in the Kern River Valley are at risk from the terrain and older construction, and people living in those areas must understand the risk.
“All of the factors are a concern, they all have to be identified by individuals living in the areas so they know what they’re dealing with personally.” Freeborn says crews routinely assess conditions from vegetation to narrow streets, and says residents should have an escape plan and a Go Bag, and be signed up for Ready Kern, the county’s reverse 9-1-1 system.

Suzanne Grant