Help emergency crews save lives, property
Thank goodness for firefighters. Without their dedication and expertise, raging fires in the Tehachapi and Riverkern areas would become invincible monsters fueled by wind and dry brush.
We pin our hopes on firefighters' courage and swift action as they confront the fires on the ground and from the air, trying to save lives and halt moving walls of destruction. They've labored nonstop, building fire lines, clearing vegetation and attacking the blazes wherever they can -- all out of a deep sense of duty.
Rapidly spreading flames have destroyed at least 30 homes in Tehachapi's Old West Ranch, and crews are struggling to gain control. The West fire, as it's known, still threatens more than 100 other structures.
North of Kernville, the Bull fire, which started Monday, burned eight homes and six outbuildings but is reportedly no longer threatening residential areas. Fire crews are still far behind in the containment race, but their actions -- before and during the blaze -- have helped turn the flames away from dwellings. A nearby break had been constructed before the fire broke out, undoubtedly saving many homes.
Help should be on the way. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has declared a state of emergency in both areas, which means additional resources will be channeled to West and Bull fires.
It might be days before either fire is under full control, but rest assured that crews will give their all to protect lives and limit the damage to property. Their job is challenging and dangerous, but in time they will stamp out the flames, as always. We owe them much gratitude.
Let's not forget those who look after victims of the fires, including volunteers from the Kern Chapter of the American Red Cross who have set up a shelter in Tehachapi, and those who set up a shelter in Lake Isabella. Their compassion and assistance adds a measure of comfort to those who may have lost everything they own.
Law enforcement personnel also are involved in the emergency effort.
But we can't expect them to do it all. If you live in fire-prone areas, take steps to protect your life and property by clearing dry brush and dead trees, assembling survival kits and planning escape routes, among other precautions.
Contact county and state fire agencies for more safety information.
