Fire Chief Appointment

June 11, 2019                                          

This afternoon the Kern County Board of Supervisors appointed a new Fire Chief of the Kern County Fire Department, former Interim Fire Chief David Witt. Chief Witt, a Kern County native, has been serving as Interim Fire Chief since February of this year. We are honored to announce the appointment of such a highly qualified and motivated individual to lead this County’s Fire Department. We thank the Board of Supervisors for appointing a Fire Chief that members of the fire department and the communities it serves can have confidence in.

Today the Kern County Fire Department announces the use of Smart911, which enables its users to create a free, private, and secure Safety Profile. When someone creates a Safety Profile they are planning ahead for potential emergencies. This proactive planning provides Emergency Dispatchers and Firefighters with information that helps them locate and help individuals requiring assistance during an emergency

When creating a Safety Profile users choose how much and what information to provide. Some examples include:

- Address
- Medical History
- Medications
- Allergies
- Pets
- Emergency Contacts

Smart911 is a national service meaning the Safety Profile travels with the user and is accessible by any participating 9-1-1 emergency dispatch center nationwide. 

Register today at smart911.com or download the Mobile App from the App Store or Google Play.

If you have received a hazard reduction citation and/or need more information click here to request a review.

The Final Draft of the Kelso Creek Communities Emergency Operations Plan has been released.   Click here for access.

Cal Fire has provided a data viewer to assist landowners in determining if their property may fall within State Responsibility Area (SRA).  SRA boundaries are those adopted by the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection in January, 2011, updated to reflect changes as of July 1, 2016. They are the official boundaries recognized by the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection to define the areas where CAL FIRE has financial responsibility for fire suppression and prevention. 

Click Here to Access the Cal Fire SRA Viewer.

Click here for the latest information on the the Isabella Dam from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Tree Mortality rates throughout California have skyrocketed.   Click here for information.

Office of the Fire Marshal
Fire Prevention

2820 M Street Bakersfield, CA 93301
www.kerncountyfire.org
Telephone 661-391-3462 FAX 661-636-0466/67 
TTY Relay 800-735-2929

This bulletin is to alert business owners there are impersonators utilizing the name ALIK FIRE CONTROL and they are coming to businesses to service fire extinguishers.  These imposters have been using high-pressure sales tactics or deceptive methods to convince businesses to purchase their services.  Watch out for individuals with the following suspicious characteristics:

• Wear uniforms with patches similar to those worn by Fire Department staff and give the impression that they are from the Fire Department
• Claim that they are Fire Marshals and are authorized to close the business if not allowed to do an inspection of their fire protection systems and make subsequent repairs.
• Claim they are there to provide service on extinguishers or hood duct systems that have previously been serviced by another company.

The Kern County Fire Department does not endorse, recommend, or send any fire protection service companies to a local business.  It is up to the business owner to seek those services when needed.

Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing a fire protection service company:

• Be sure that the service technician has proper identification and that he or she is from the company that you selected.
• Ask the company to verify they have a certificate of Registration and or C-16 License which is valid and current through the California State Fire Marshal's Office and Contractors State License Board.
• Do not permit a service company to provide service that you did not request or that is not required.
• Do not pay by cash

We want your business, your employees, and your clients safely protected from fire.  Fire protection systems and fire extinguishers, that are properly installed and serviced, will save lives and protect property.  If you have any questions regarding this matter, or if you require assistance checking the status of a fire protection company, please call the Kern County Fire Department Fire Prevention Unit at (661) 391-3310.