RIDGECREST, Calif. -- On Tuesday around 5 p.m., a call was received by the Kern County Fire Department for a structure fire in one unit of a duplex, in the 300 block of Robalo Street in Ridgecrest.

Approximately nine Kern County Firefighters responded to the incident.

Upon arrival, crews were faced with a quickly developing fire which was now coming from the swamp cooler located on the roof. A fire crew made entry into the house to make an aggressive attack of the fire and were able to contain it to the room and contents of origin.

One person, a neighbor, suffered the effects of smoke inhalation and was treated at the scene, according to Sean Collins with the Kern County Fire Department.

Neighbors came to the aid of the resident to try to help extinguish the fire; both inside the structure and on the roof. KCFD would like to advise the communities that this can be very dangerous and should be left to firefighting professionals who have the correct safety equipment, training and knowledge to ensure a successful outcome.

Fire crews saved approximately $60,000 to property and contents. However, the fire destroyed an estimated $5,000 in value to the affected property.

There were no reported injuries to firefighters.

The cause of the fire was due to the homeowners placing a mattress over a wall heater temporarily while moving their belongings to another location.

KCFD would like to take this opportunity to remind residents that placing items too close to heaters is a major cause of fire in the home. Smoke alarms save lives.