BAKERSFIELD — Kern County Fire Department engines at stations in Inyokern, Randsburg and Boron began operating with four-person crews Saturday, Oct. 17, as the department rolled out the first phase of a new staffing model, according to a department news release.
Kern County Fire Department stations have traditionally been staffed with a fire captain, a fire engineer and one firefighter. Each engine company in the new model adds a second firefighter.
Along with Station 83 in Inyokern, Station 85 in Randsburg and Station 87 in Boron, the first phase includes stations in the Tehachapi Mountains area: Station 11 in Keene, Station 13 in Golden Hills and Station 16 in Bear Valley Springs. Station 55 at Tejon Ranch is also on the list, along with stations in Fellows, Buttonwillow, Lost Hills, Southlake, Lake Isabella and Kernville, for 13 stations in all.
The department said the extra firefighter lets more personnel arrive on scene with fewer responding stations. That matters in rural parts of the county, the release said, where stations can be miles apart and response times longer.
The department said the change also aligns with National Fire Protection Association guidance that names four on-duty personnel as the minimum staffing level for engine companies. The department described the move as “historic” and said it supports firefighter safety and more efficient emergency operations.
The release said the change will be implemented in phases. It did not say which stations will be added next or give a timeline, cost or funding source.
Source: Kern County Fire Department news release dated Oct. 16, 2026.