BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — It’s been a familiar sight in town all year long; black smoke billowing in the air. With a closer look, flames engulfing and decimating a building…one structure on Union Avenue and 1st Street joins that long list.
“Shortly before 6 a.m. this morning crews received calls,” said Bakersfield Fire Battalion Chief Alexander Clark. “Upon arrival, crews observed the building behind us was fully involved, there was no one inside and there was no one injured in the fire.”
One of the common themes of fires like these has been a history of homeless activity in the building. It’s a theme that repeated itself again for this blaze, according to Clark.
By our count, there were 10 such instances in 2024 of structure fires which either led to the arrest of an unhoused individual or had a history of heavy traffic of homeless people. It may not seem like so much at first glance, but 10 structure fires started by a suspected homeless individual in 2024 is more than from 2019 to 2023 combined.
It’s a problem that Mary Blair says has been going on far too long, and one that has to stop.
“I’ve noticed a change in the last few years,” said Blair. “All of a sudden it seems to be a huge increase and surge in homelessness.”
Despite the desire to hold those accountable for the destruction of property, it’s a solution that isn’t easy to find.
“Being held accountable…I think that’s the hard part because it’s some sort of financial payment or paying back the city of some sort,” said Blair. “I think that’s kind of a catch 22 because you could put somebody in jail, but as far as financial assistance to replenish what they’re destroying, there’s no way they’re going to be able to assist.”
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In spite of the loss of property, one of the tragedies included in these fires is the reality that the reason they were started in the first place was out of a need to stay warm in the cold.
“It’s sad in a way,” said Ray Ruiz, another concerned resident. “There should be some kind of housing for them. They’re human. You can’t expect them to stay out here in the cold and expect them not to start fires.”
It’s a morally gray situation with no easy answers. As we approach the new year, there remains no new solutions.
“I think we do need more assistance for them,” said Blair. “But at the same time, you have to want to get help and we would have to help individuals become employed so they can stay stable and on their feet. You have to want help.”
Battalion Chief Clark said the roof of the Union Avenue building collapsed due to the fire, and there’s too much damage inside to tell where exactly the fire started at this point in time. He also said that arson units are investigating.