In June 2016, the Erskine Fire tore through communities in Kern River Valley destroying over 300 homes on 68,000 acres. Monday, October 22, 2018, the community celebrated the groundbreaking of the first permanent home being rebuilt by the Kern Valley Long Term Recovery Group since the fire two and half years ago. 

Darrel and Linnie Galetano said they are amazed at the support from the community. With the help of the United Methodist Committee on Relief, Kern Valley Long Term Recovery Group spearheaded the build and recruited the construction crew from the Mennonite Disaster Service. All of the volunteers from the non-profit Mennonite Disaster Service work from free and even pay their way here. 

This is just one of two permanent homes that are set to be built in scarred area of the Kern River Valley.