Doni Farner, daughter of Charlie Watkins, of Lockwood Valley said they had a drop in water pressure yesterday afternoon.  One of the family went out to check the pump and in the process checked one of the out-buildings.  When the door was opened, it was found to be burning inside.  The fire moved to an older mobile-home-trailer that measured about 9 by 30 feet.  "Our neighbors said it went up like cotton candy" said Doni.

The fire made its way to Watkins' shop and started burning through the outside sheeting.  "That's when the fire department showed up and they put it out quick."  Doni said they used foam to stifle the flames and Watkins shop was saved and his home untouched.  No one was injured and the fire was extinguished by approximately 20 Kern and Los Angeles County Firefighters with the US Forest Service.

Firefighters were hampered in their actions by live main electrical wires that had fallen on the ground, also a propane tank had direct flame impingement according to the Kern Fire Department.

The out-building where the blaze started was a wooden shed that Doni called a line shack.  A temporary building used on construction projects and mounted to "skids" that would make it possible for a forklift to easily lift and move.  It was wired for electricity but the cause of the blaze is unknown at this point. 

KFD reports the fire destroyed an estimated $75,000.00 of property and contents value.  The shack was the most heartfelt loss because it was used to store some of Doni's most memorable possessions.  Prom dresses, photos and other treasures reminding of her the son she lost to a car accident last year.

16450 Curtis Trail

Charlie Watkins, 87, is a retired firefighter, welder and owner of CW Drilling and Pump Services.  The Mountain Enterprise has some photos...click here.