Fire officials host Borel Fire community meeting in Lake Isabella

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Fire officials updated residents impacted by Kern’s largest wildfire in history Sunday afternoon at a community meeting in Lake Isabella.

On the afternoon of Aug. 4, some people applauded fire crews efforts to contain the monstrous Borel Fire burning east through the mountains. Others confronted them for not saving their homes.

The Borel Fire left a mark on the Kern County mountains caught in it’s path. A massive burn scar serves as a reminder of the destruction and the impact to those who lost everything.

“I can’t explain. I don’t know what words to use, but it’s bad. It’s sad,” said Jerry Harter, a Havilah resident.

A team of officials held a community meeting at Woodrow Wallace Middle School at 1:30 p.m. Sunday to update the residents on the status of Kern’s biggest wildfire in history. More than 80 residents showed up, including Jerry Harter and his daughter. Harter lost his home in Havilah. He moved there in 1997 and says he couldn’t afford insurance.

“I don’t know what else to say really. I’m sorry,” said Harter.

Fire officials report no loss of life in Havilah and no one is reported missing. Veronica Harter is thankful her brother is still alive.

“My little brother was in the fire and he got burned on his shoulders, his arms,” said Veronica. “Some on his ears, but thank God his lungs are okay.”

Officials say more than 1,500 personnel are assigned to the fire. They’ve used every county asset, stretching resources thin. Now, they’re focused on the fire threat on the far east side of the wildfire.

Alissa Beckham, who lost her home in the fire, says her kids lost almost everything.

“All the windows are melted out of my house. My children’s bedroom has no window. Their bedroom was filled with smoke,” said Beckham. “Their walls are damaged, their beds are ruined, their toys are trashed…basically everything inside of our house is garbage.”

Beckham also shared concerns for her four kids who go to school in Lake Isabella because the shelters are too far away. Two of them have special needs and one is blind.

“How does that look for us and what does a displaced family who has special education students,” said Beckham. “How are they supposed to maintain all their services?”

Fire officials are now focused on the recovery phase as they get the Borel fire mopped up and cooled down. They’re using F.E.M.A. funds to fight the fire, while residents wait for the damage assessment to get the federal funds they need.

“One heart, one Havilah,” said Beckham. “We’re gonna make it, you know. As a small community with big hearts for each other.”

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