Beginning January 1, 2026, fire services in California City will be handled by the Kern County Fire Department (KCFD). The agreement was approved by both the city council and the board of supervisors this month.
Eleven California City firefighters will be absorbed by KCFD. The city’s fire station, land, and equipment will be sold to the county for nearly $4 million.
“This sale will offset the city's payment for county services, totaling just over $580,000 through June 30, 2028,” Bakersfield Now reports.
"We are making our community better. We're making the Kern County Fire Department stronger,” Kern County Fire Chief Aaron Duncan said of the agreement. “I can't be happier to join them into our family.”
California City is grappling with fiscal challenges, compounded by the expiration of a key public safety tax measure (Measure C). The agreement with Kern County, which you can read here, will preserve important public safety services despite the city's struggles.