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Kern County Fire rep tells Taft council calls fell this year but warns of holiday fire risks
Summary
Kern County Fire Station No. 21 reported a drop in monthly calls in late summer but noted an October uptick; the department warned the council about holiday risks including deep-fryer incidents, dry Christmas trees and improper extension-cord use and urged caution.
Carrie Wright, representing Kern County Fire Station No. 21, told the Taft City Council on Nov. 18 that monthly emergency calls trended downward over the summer but showed fluctuations: August and September declined to around 140 calls, with October rising to about 170 calls and 13 of those being fires.
Wright, a battalion chief with experience in Taft, briefed the council on holiday-specific hazards: deep-fryer turkey incidents, dry Christmas trees near heat sources, overloaded extension cords and unsafe temporary electrical setups, as well as risks from unhoused residents moving indoors and using improvised heating methods. She urged residents to exercise caution, supervise children near cooking activities, and practice ladder safety when hanging lights.
Mayor and council members thanked Wright for the report and raised questions about particular holiday risks and ladder safety; the council moved to receive and file the monthly report and found the item not to be a CEQA project. The motion to receive and file passed on a 4–0 roll call.
Wright emphasized preparation and common-sense safety measures rather than alarm: “Don’t take shortcuts,” she said, urging residents to think about deep-fryer and electrical safety during the holidays. The council did not adopt new ordinances or resources at the meeting; the department’s guidance was presented for public awareness and routine preparedness.
