By Courtenay Edelhart
The Bakersfield Californian
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — A Bakersfield Fire Department firefighter suffered first- and second-degree burns to both hands while working a fire in the second story of a southeast Bakersfield apartment building Saturday.
The firefighter was taken to San Joaquin Community Hospital’s burn unit for treatment.
There were no other injuries, but two pet cats died in the fire reported at 1:13 p.m. Saturday at 701 Planz Road.
About 20 people were displaced and referred to the American Red Cross.
Authorities estimated about $750,000 in damage to the apartment complex. The cause of the blaze is under investigation.
Arriving crews found heavy smoke and fire showing from the second floor of the large apartment complex Saturday afternoon.
They fought the blaze indoors and also performed a “strip” cut in conjunction with a ventilation hole to stop the lateral spread of the fire in the attic. It was well involved in the attics of four of the upstairs apartments before the fire was brought under control about 24 minutes later, according to the fire department.
A wood shake roof was a contributing factor in the spread of the fire, authorities said.
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