Brandon Muncy
Kern Valley Sun

While passing through areas of the Kern Valley, you may have seen various locked red boxes  labeled Fire Department. The Kern County Fire Department compiled information for all communities in the Kern Valley and Walker Basin that are considered at risk for wildland fires. While the boxes are small, the contents of the boxes could end up saving your home one day. The information in the boxes are to help provide firefighters with information on structure location, water sources, access, fuel treatments, safety zones, communications, evacuations as well as other information that should be considered when attempting to protect structures, and people, during a wildland fire. Twelve boxes have been installed in the valley, which will eventually lead to 50. The Kern County Fire Department, U.S. Forest Service, and Bureau of Land Management firefighters will all have access to the information located in the boxes.

The boxes, which were installed by KCFD, are an additional resource for all Kern River Valley firefighters. Located in the boxes are extremely detailed maps. Firefighters will have access to all necessary road information, including color coded routes to inform of what type of engine can safely operate on the sometimes rugged terrain. Locked gates, helicopter land areas, helicopter dip sites, safety zones, hazards, staging areas, and water sources are also located on a very easy to read map. 

(Use arrows above to view more photos)

Also located in the box are binders loaded with information about our ares. The binders begin with an overview of the area, then highlight residence information, road types, elevations, major problems that could occur, summer weather information, fuel types, as well as other information that could be handy for fire resources unfamiliar with the area. Incident facilities, staging areas, structure protection information, and water supply are also included in the preface. Maps are also included in the binders with color coded roads and water sources, topographic maps, and aerial photos.

One of the most important features of the binders are extremely detailed evacuation plans. The plan describes how to evacuate the area, locating one way roads, residents that could require held, traffic flow and coordination, and shelter locations. Also included is information about local deputies and how that could contribute.

Another important attribute is the communications plan. Included in the plan are the frequencies and tones generally used in the area, phone numbers for the command center, law enforcement, Community Emergency Response Team members and other agency contact information. A medical plan is also included in case of any possible needed medical attention.

What is important to remember is once a wildland fire occurs, fire agencies throughout the country come to assist with efforts. The information located in the boxes will allow firefighters from various areas to familiarize themselves with the community at risk and safely take action. Multiple copies of maps and binders will be located in a water tight bag for all agencies to have a copy if needed.

The project has taken much work by the Kern Valley Fire Safe Council, The Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Kern County Fire Department.