OILDALE, CA - On Thursday, January 21st 2010 at approximately 2:30 P.M., a call was received by the Kern County Fire Department for a structure fire in the 1900 block of Ester Dr in Oildale. Approximately 12 Kern County Firefighters responded to the scene.

Upon arrival, fire crews were faced with a developing fire within the structure, with smoke coming from the roof vents. A fire crew made an aggressive attack on the fire which was under control very quickly. The family cat was located under a bed suffering from smoke inhalation, firefighters administered oxygen treatment via a special animal resuscitation mask before it was taken to a veterinarian for further medical treatment.

Firefighters were able to save the approximately $95,000.00 in value to the structure and contents. However, the fire destroyed an estimated $20,000.00 in property and contents to the home.

Family members discovered the fire upon their return and used a garden hose prior to the arrival of the fire dept. Residents are reminded that this can be very dangerous without the proper protective equipment.

The cause of the fire is under investigation, however, an electrical short circuit cannot be ruled out at this time. There were no reported injuries to firefighters.