At the southern tip of the San Joaquin Valley, Bakersfield sits at about 404 feet with the Sierra Nevada to the east and the Tehachapi Mountains to the south. The Kern River once spread across the plain where downtown now stands; today most of its flow is diverted into canals, leaving long stretches of riverbed through town dry much of the year.
Fire & Water Energy is a referral service for Kern County callers, not a restoration outfit. Rather than sending workers, we take your call at (866) 937-3230 and try to point you to an independent restoration contractor that covers Bakersfield; whether one can take the job depends on local providers. The steps are laid out on how it works, and the referral disclosure covers our relationship with contractors.
Heat, a dry river and a shaky past
The climate is officially hot desert. The city averages about 112 days at 90°F or higher and 36 at 100°F or higher, and the record of 118°F dates to July 28, 1908. Winters are mild by day, but around 10 mornings a year dip below freezing and tule fog can settle in from November through March.
History shows that water and ground movement both matter. Floods in 1861 swept away the original settlement. In 1952 a magnitude 7.5 earthquake struck Kern County on July 21, and a magnitude 5.8 quake centered under the city on August 22 killed four people and badly damaged historic buildings. Since 2000, Kern County has been in six FEMA major disaster declarations, including severe winter storms and flooding in 2005, 2011, 2017 and 2023, and Tropical Storm Hilary in 2023 (DR-4750).
What usually causes water damage in local homes
With so little rain, most indoor water problems come from the systems that keep homes livable in extreme heat. Air conditioners and evaporative coolers run for months, and their drain lines, pans and supply tubes can fail without warning. Water heaters in garages, washing machine hoses and slab leaks are other frequent sources.
Freezing nights are few, yet the record low is 12°F, so unprotected outdoor pipes can still split in a cold snap. When a contractor handles water damage restoration in Bakersfield, the usual sequence is to stop the source, extract water, check walls and floors with moisture meters and dry the structure with air movers and dehumidifiers. See water damage restoration and ceiling water damage repair for AC overflows that stain ceilings.
Federal disaster declarations that included Kern County
FEMA records show Kern County was included in 6 major disaster declarations for weather or fire events from 2000 through 2026 (3 severe storm, 2 flood, 1 hurricane, by FEMA incident type). Declarations are made at the county level, so they do not mean every neighborhood in Bakersfield was affected. The most recent:
- 2023 – Tropical Storm Hilary (DR-4750)
- 2023 – Severe Winter Storms, Straight-line Winds, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides (DR-4699)
- 2017 – Severe Winter Storms, Flooding, and Mudslides (DR-4305)
- 2011 – Severe Winter Storms, Flooding, and Debris and Mud Flows (DR-1952)
- 2005 – Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and Mud and Debris Flows (DR-1585)
- 2005 – Severe Storms, Flooding, Debris Flows, and Mudslides (DR-1577)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries, retrieved 2026-10-10. Counts include major disaster (DR) declarations with hurricane, flood, severe storm, tropical storm, fire, tornado, coastal storm, winter or ice storm, mudslide and dam/levee incident types.
Water, fire or storm damage in Bakersfield?
Call (866) 937-3230 and tell us what happened at your Bakersfield property.
Smoke-heavy seasons and fire cleanup
Wikipedia notes that air quality here is at its worst in fall and winter, when the state's wildfire season overlaps with winter inversions that trap pollution in the valley. Fine smoke particles can work into attics, vents and soft furnishings over weeks of poor air.
After a house fire, cleanup generally includes debris removal, soot cleaning matched to each surface, odor treatment and drying wet areas from firefighting. Ask a contractor how they will address HVAC ducts, which can spread residue throughout the house. Related: soot removal and smoke damage cleanup.
Rare but heavy rain events
Because storms are infrequent, many lots and streets are not built to shed large amounts of water quickly. December 2010 brought 5.82 inches in a single month, nearly a full year's normal rain, and February 9, 1978 set the one-day record at 2.29 inches. A sudden burst like that can pond against slab foundations and run under doors.
Outside water that comes indoors should be treated as contaminated. Contractors offering flood cleanup commonly pump out water, remove wet carpet and the lower section of drywall, disinfect and dry. Roof or tree damage from wind falls under storm damage cleanup.
Mold after leaks in a dry climate
Dry air does not prevent mold when a hidden leak keeps a wall cavity or cabinet base wet. Foggy winter stretches also slow drying in closed rooms. Musty odors near water heaters, sinks or AC closets are a common early sign.
EPA guidance indicates a homeowner can often clean mold covering less than about 10 square feet. If the area is larger, the growth followed a sewage or flood event, or someone in the home is sensitive to mold, consider mold remediation by a contractor using containment.
First steps for Bakersfield residents
- Call 911 for fire, a gas odor, arcing wires or anyone hurt.
- Register for ReadyKern, the county's emergency notification system, and follow evacuation instructions from emergency personnel.
- Shut off the water main for plumbing leaks and the breaker for wet rooms if you can reach it from a dry spot.
- Photograph damage and make a list of affected items before cleanup.
- Contact your insurer or agent; coverage depends on your policy, and earthquake and flood damage usually require separate policies.
For more of the state, see California service areas.
Neighborhoods and nearby communities
Areas in and around Bakersfield that callers often mention include:
- Downtown
- East Bakersfield
- North Bakersfield
- Northeast
- Northwest
- Southwest
- Southeast
- South Bakersfield
- Panorama Bluffs
Nearby communities with their own pages (straight-line distance from Bakersfield):
- Visalia · 68 mi
- Lancaster · 68 mi
- Santa Clarita · 73 mi
- Palmdale · 75 mi
- Santa Barbara · 76 mi
- Ventura · 77 mi
Bakersfield restoration FAQs
Can my evaporative cooler or AC cause water damage?
Yes. Long cooling seasons wear out drain lines, float valves and pans. A slow overflow can soak a ceiling or wall for weeks before it shows, so inspect units before summer and watch for stains or musty smells.
Does the Kern River still flood the city?
Most of the river's flow is now diverted into canals, and much of the riverbed through town is often dry. Historically, though, the river flooded the downtown area, and floods in 1861 destroyed the first settlement. Kern County has also been part of several flood-related federal declarations since 2005.
Why does smoke linger longer here in fall and winter?
Winter inversions can trap smoke and pollution in the valley, and fall overlaps with wildfire season. Keeping windows shut on bad-air days and changing HVAC filters helps. Lingering odor or residue may need professional cleaning.
How do I sign up for county emergency alerts?
Kern County uses ReadyKern to send emergency notifications. You register the phone numbers and email addresses you want contacted, and cell phones are recommended. TV and radio announcements continue alongside it.
Will someone come out to Oildale or Delano?
Oildale is an unincorporated community next to the city, and Delano is about 30 miles north. When you call (866) 937-3230, we try to connect you with an independent contractor whose area includes your address, but we cannot promise availability.
Restoration guides
- Water Damage Restoration
- Ceiling Water Damage Repair
- Soot Removal
- Smoke Damage Cleanup
- Flood Cleanup
- Mold Remediation