Two-alarm fire engulfs warehouse in East Bakersfield.

East Bakersfield on November 9, 2024, represents a significant incident for local emergency services and the surrounding community. Firefighters from both the Bakersfield and Kern County fire departments responded swiftly to the blaze, which originated at the intersection of Washington Street and E. Brundage Lane. The fire quickly spread to two adjacent warehouses, each measuring approximately 10,000 square feet and filled with plastic irrigation materials . This rapid escalation necessitated a two-alarm response as firefighters worked diligently to contain the flames.

Kern County Fire, the two warehouses were filled floor to ceiling with black, plastic irrigation hoses. The warehouses involved had Calcot Ltd. signage on them, according to the company's website, Calcot Ltd. handles cotton ginning, warehousing, merchandising, and cotton seed processing. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

With smoke from the fire being visible for several miles, Kern County Fire Public Information Officer Jonathon Drucker tells 23ABC that crews from KCFD and Bakersfield Fire Department were focused on ensuring that the fire did not spread to the other warehouses nearby and that crews have good control on containment of the fire. However, due to the magnitude of the fire, crew will be on sight through the remainder of the evening and the fire will be visible to the public in the area for several hours. “Two warehouses, approximately 10,000 square feet in size each,” said Engineer Jonathan Drucker with the Kern County Fire Department. “They are stacked floor to ceiling with plastic drip irrigation, so that’s what’s burning.”

The fire created billowing black clouds of smoke, so great they blot out the sun. Smoke that’s expanded so much, it can be seen from miles and miles away.

“I was driving down the 58 westbound and that’s when I saw it,” said Cecilia Acevedo on Brundage Lane.

The intense heat generated by the burning plastic resulted in thick black smoke that was visible across miles of Bakersfield. While there were concerns regarding air quality due to smoke inhalation, officials indicated that no toxic substances were released during the incident . Firefighters remained on site throughout the night to ensure complete extinguishment of any remaining hotspots and prevent flare-ups. The cause of this destructive fire is still under investigation.

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Sarah H

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