Local News

Local News RSS Feed   Print Story   E-mail Story

Man killed in southeast Bakersfield house fire

| Tuesday, May 13 2008 10:49 AM

Last Updated: Wednesday, May 14 2008 8:35 AM

A man died after a fire broke out in a southeast Bakersfield residence early Tuesday morning.

Our readers recommend:

Arthur Montenegro Gonzales, 68, died of smoke inhalation with cardiovascular disease as a contributing factor, according to the coroner’s office.

Crews arrived at 806 East Belle Terrace, south of East Brundage Lane and east of Highway 99, after receiving a report of a fire at 6:48 a.m., firefighters said. Heavy smoke was coming from the single-family residence.

Fire crews entered the house and found two rooms on fire and heavy smoke throughout the house. The fire was controlled in less than five minutes.

Gonzales was found in a bathroom during a search of the house and was in critical condition when taken to Kern Medical Center, firefighters said.

Damage to the structure and its contents was estimated at $45,000.

Arson investigators determined the fire was accidental.

Open Calais

Advertisement