California
38,000-acre Borel fire destroys historic Kern County mining town
HAVILAH, Calif. — The historic mining town of Havilah in Kern County has been virtually obliterated by the fast-moving Borel Fire, which has scorched over 38,000 acres since igniting on Wednesday. The fire, which began in the Kern River Canyon, rapidly spread due to strong winds, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
The fire reached Havilah on Friday night, razing nearly the entire town and leaving only a few buildings standing. The town, once a bustling mining hub and the first county seat of Kern County, now lies in ruins. "We lost everything — it's all gone," Havilah resident Sean Rains told The Times. "This whole town burned down. Multiple people, friends that I know — everybody lost everything."
A Community in Mourning
The devastation has left many residents homeless and grappling with the loss of their properties and historical landmarks. Vincent Cordova, a longtime resident, evacuated his ranch on Thursday but returned the following day to find flames surrounding his home. "I lost four houses, three ATVs," Cordova said. "I’ve lived on that ranch for forty years. I’ve lost everything."
The fire also claimed the town's museum, a significant cultural loss for the community. The museum, which housed artifacts and memorabilia from Havilah's mining days, was reduced to rubble, save for a plaque reading "Historic Havilah: First County Seat for Kern County."
Firefighting Efforts
More than 1,200 firefighters have been battling the blaze under extreme conditions, with temperatures soaring and bone-dry conditions exacerbating the fire's spread. "We've been under red flag warning conditions, and the fire continues to burn in a very, very intense and erratic way," said Capt. Andrew Freeborn of the Kern County Fire Department. "The flames can be seen from miles away. If you're looking for what extreme fire behavior would be defined as, we're seeing it on this fire."
Despite the intense efforts, the fire remains uncontained, and officials have yet to confirm the total number of structures burned. The fire's rapid progression has been slightly slowed as it moved from dry grass to green brush, but the threat to nearby communities remains high.
Community Response and Support
In the face of such overwhelming loss, the community has come together to support those affected. Don Birdwell, President of the Caliente Education Foundation, has been instrumental in providing aid to displaced residents. "We’ve all been helping the community and we have seen the need for people who have lost their places or had to evacuate and didn't have any place to go," Birdwell said. The foundation has opened Ed Oakley Hall in Twin Oaks, offering shelter, food, and other necessities to those in need.
Historical Significance
Founded in the 1860s, Havilah was an active mining center home to saloons, dance halls, hotels, and shops. It served as the seat of Kern County from 1866 to 1872 before the government moved to Bakersfield. The town, which had a population of around 250 people, is registered as a California historical landmark. The loss of Havilah is not just a blow to its residents but also to the state's rich historical tapestry.
Looking Ahead
As the fire continues to burn, the focus remains on containment and protecting other communities at risk. The Borel Fire is part of a larger complex of fires, including the Trout and Long fires, which have collectively burned tens of thousands of acres in Kern and Tulare counties. "This is going to be a fight for a while," said incident commander Jim Snow. "The state of California is under fire right now everywhere."
For the residents of Havilah, the road to recovery will be long and arduous. Yet, amid the ashes, there is hope and resilience. As Brett Keith, another resident who lost his home, sifted through the rubble, he found a small shotgun he had since he was seven years old. "I'll have to call my neighbor to come and get his bull," he said, referring to a neighbor's bull that had survived the fire but was injured.
The Borel Fire has left an indelible mark on Havilah, but the spirit of its community remains unbroken. As they begin the daunting task of rebuilding, the support and solidarity of their neighbors will be crucial in helping them rise from the ashes.