Independence Day celebrations took a dangerous turn in Contra Costa County as fire crews responded to a staggering 58 fires overnight on July 4th, with 50 of those suspected to be fireworks-related mishaps, according to KRON4. The county's fire department typically anticipates 30 to 40 vegetation fires occurring within a few hours during the holiday, as stated in a report from CBS San Francisco.
Several cities in the area see a significant increase in the number of fires on July 4th, including Bay Point, Pittsburg, Antioch, and Brentwood. In the hours leading up to the evening, it was not uncommon for residents to see and hear illegal fireworks lighting up the skies over these cities. Despite fireworks being banned in Contra Costa County, officials continue to struggle with preventing their unauthorized use.
Contributing to the high rate of fires in these locations is their generally drier surroundings. Assistant Chief Chris Bachman explained, "this area is a little drier," which makes it more susceptible to fires starting from stray fireworks.
Fighting the fires was no small feat for the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (CCCFPD), which faced a busy schedule during the July 4th celebrations. At the 10 p.m. hour, firefighters responded to 19 grass and exterior fires and two structure fires, three of which were known to be caused by fireworks and the rest being suspected. Among these, a particularly devastating blaze occurred on Fieldcrest Drive in Pleasant Hill, where a two-story house was seriously damaged.
Firefighters also battled a one-acre vegetation fire on Holub Lane in Antioch at 10:28 p.m. and later, at 9:52 p.m., a three-acre vegetation fire at 1900 Whitecliff Way in Walnut Creek.
Con Fire had additional crews working during peak hours, as per the CBS San Francisco report. In an hour-long ride-along with KPIX reporter Betty Yu, Assistant Chief Bachman attended to dozens of calls. Describing the intensity of the situation, Bachman said, "What you're seeing now with the number of calls that we're running is pretty common with how they usually come in year after year. It'll stay at this pace until usually 11:30, 12 o' clock."
Despite the chaotic scene, Bachman acknowledged that weather conditions were somewhat favorable this year, with cooler temperatures and humidity levels working in the firefighters' favor, as reported.
While firefighters were busy combatting the numerous blazes, fire investigators patrolled the area confiscating illegal fireworks and issuing fines for any violations. The public is urged to heed local laws and celebrate responsibly to avoid a repeat of the dangerous situation in Contra Costa County this past July 4th.
