More than 30 people displaced, 8 dogs killed in residential motel fire
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — More than 30 people were displaced and eight dogs died Wednesday morning as a fire tore through a residential motel on Golden State Highway.
Four units were damaged at the Park Motel. The Bakersfield Fire Department estimated the fire destroyed about $100,000 worth of property.
Neighbors said all eight of the dogs were inside the same apartment. The owner of the complex said that is where the fire started.
One person was treated on scene for smoke inhalation.
The Fire Department said the fire was accidental and electrical in nature.
Andy Patal, the owner of Park Motel, said 23 people lived there.
He said even units that were not directly impacted by the fire are no longer livable, because the gas and electricity was turned off.
Patal said he had no idea eight dogs were living in one unit. He said the owners only had one dog registered with management. He said one dog is allowed per unit.
Kern County Red Cross was on scene helping find people temporary housing, as well as handing out food and water.
The organization's Facebook page said at this point more than 30 people have been affected.
"We work with them to find temporary housing and then maybe possible perminent housing, and to meet their immediate disaster needs," said Cindy Huge, spokesperson for Kern County Red Cross.
Huge said in addition to the Fire Department and Red Cross, the motel managment, Flood Ministries, Meals on Wheels and Animal Control came to the scene to help.
