Rural Calif. Areas Lack Water to Fight Fires

TEHACHAPI, Calif. --

On Friday night, a home in Stallion Springs was destroyed by a fire.

One of the challenges firefighters said they faced was the lack of resources they needed to fight the blaze.

This isn't the first time the lack of water in rural areas of the county has played a role in a devastating house fire.

Six months ago, a Bodfish man was killed in a house fire that also proved to be challenging for firefighters because the closest water resource was a mile away.

On Tuesday, 23 ABC talked to Kern County fire officials. They said there are guidelines in place for homeowners to prevent incidents like this and the one over the weekend. The problem is getting people to follow them.

"We have the standards," said Benny Wofford, the Kern County Fire Marshal. "We have the guidelines. All you have to do is call our fire prevention office and ask."

For at least 15 years, guidelines have been in place to help firefighters gain access to water when battling blazes like the one in Stallion Springs on Friday night.

The fire department said there is one requirement in particular that can make all the difference in the fight for your home.

"What we've come up with over the years is the Kern County Fire Department standard," said Wofford. "It's a 3,500 gallon tank with the proper connections so our firefighters can get to and utilize in the case of an emergency."

Failing to meet this requirement, along with other fire guidelines, can result in a failed home inspection. Also, the homeowner will not be issued a certificate of occupancy, meaning they can't move in.

Older properties, on the other hand, are not required to have a water supply.

"At the time when the home was built, those requirements may not (have been) in place," said Wofford.

The fire department suggested that, even if your home is not required to have a water supply, each and every homeowner should always be prepared.

"Protect your home, and protect your investment," said Wofford. "Help us help you."

For more information about how to protect your home, or if you have any questions, you can call the Kern County Fire Prevention office at (661) 391-7080.

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