The 38,000-acre Borel fire in Kern County has leveled the tiny, historic mining town of Havilah. The fire ignited Wednesday in the Kern River canyon and spread rapidly as it met with strong winds, officials said. It ran through Havilah on Friday night and razed almost the entire town, appearing to spare only a few buildings.
Brett Keith emerges from the rubble of his house with the only thing he could salvage, a shotgun he’s had since the age of 7. Keith and his wife, Alandra, fled their burning home of 10 years as flames roared down a nearby hillside two days ago.
(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
Breckenridge Mountain is obscured by smoke from the southeastern flank of the Borel fire near the community of Twin Oaks.
(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
Members of the Iron Mountain Hand Crew move to the front as dozens of firefighters manage the southeastern flank of the Borel fire near the community of Twin Oaks.
(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
The Borel fire devastated the town of Havilah, killing livestock and leaving many residents homeless.
(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
The Borel fire devastated the town of Havilah, leaving many residents homeless.
(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
Sean Rains wipes soot from the top of his burned car. Raines home was totally destroyed by the Borel Fire a few nights ago as was his two other classic cars along with everything else inside the house. “We lost everything, It’s all gone,” Raines said.
(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
The Borel fire devastated the town of Havilah, leaving many residents homeless.
(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
