Contra Costa Herald

News Of By and For The People of Contra Costa County, California

Rep. McNerney to host virtual Town Hall on wildfire preparedness and response Thursday

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With reps from Cal Office of Emergency Services and East Contra Costa Fire Protection District, and Federal Communications Commission

Devastating and deadly wildfires have blazed across our state last year. With over 4.2 million acres burned, 2020 was the largest wildfires season recorded in California’s history. With extreme hot and dry weather this year, wildfire activity may be more widespread, potentially putting even more people in danger. Congressman Jerry McNerney (CA-09) will be hosting a virtual town hall on Thursday, July 15th from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM to discuss what you can expect this season and answer questions on how you and our community can prepare and stay safe. He will be joined by representatives from the California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and East Contra Costa Fire Protection District, and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

What: Rep. Jerry McNerney Hosts Virtual Town Hall on Wildfire Preparedness and Response

            Featuring representatives from the California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and East Contra Costa Fire Protection District and FCC

Who: Hosted by Congressman Jerry McNerney

Featuring Special Guests:

  • Brian Marshall, Fire and Rescue Chief, Cal OES
  • Steve Aubert, Fire Marshal, ECCFPD
  • Justin Cain, Chief of the Operations and Emergency Management Division, Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau, FCC

When: Thursday, July 15th

             6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

To join online:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82594613212?pwd=V1VUblRVekNkczQ2TzF1YldjSDFDdz09

To join by phone:

(669) 900-6833  

Webinar ID: 825 9461 3212

Passcode: 543622 

Participants can join via phone or by using the webinar link above and can submit questions in advance here.

 

Con Fire announces multiple pre-July 4th illegal fireworks arrests

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Undercover investigators seize hundreds of pounds of dangerous fireworks in sales busts

By Steve Hill, Public Information Officer, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District

CONCORD, CALIF., July 4, 2021 – Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (Con Fire) today announced its fire investigators, working undercover, have made multiple fireworks-related arrests in the days leading up to the Independence Day holiday. The law enforcement actions resulted in hundreds of pounds of dangerous fireworks being removed from community streets.

In their continued efforts to take dangerous fireworks off our streets, Con Fire investigators have conducted the following fireworks enforcement actions in recent days:

Hercules fireworks bust on Friday, July 2, 2021. Photos: Con Fire

July 2, 2021 – Hercules Ave. at San Pablo Blvd., Hercules

Con Fire investigators researched and located a social media post advertising illegal fireworks for sale in Contra Costa County. Working undercover, they made contact with the seller and arranged a purchase in the City of Hercules. Surveillance was established at the seller’s residence during which the seller was seen transferring substantial amounts of fireworks from his garage to his vehicle.

En route to the intended meet, investigators initiated a stop, and identified the seller as a Hercules resident who led investigators to fireworks caches at his residence and the residence of another suspect also in possession of a significant amount of illegal fireworks.

In total, 157 pounds of fireworks were confiscated from the two locations

Both individuals were cited on scene. The names of the involved individuals are not being released at this time due to the ongoing nature of the investigation.

Brentwood Blvd. fireworks bust on Saturday, July 3, 2021. Photo: Con Fire

July 3, 2021 – 8000 block of Brentwood Boulevard, Brentwood

Con Fire investigators researched and located a social media post advertising illegal fireworks for sale in Contra Costa County. Working undercover, investigators contacted the seller who was identified to be in the City of Brentwood.

After coordination with East Contra Costa Fire Protection District, a purchase was arranged. Investigators established surveillance at the location arranged. Meeting with the seller, investigators confirmed illegal fireworks were being sold and detained the seller. The illegal fireworks were confiscated, and the seller was issued a citation on scene.

Century Oaks, Brentwood fireworks bust on Saturday, July 3, 2021. Photos: Con Fire

July 3, 2021 – 1600 block Century Oaks, Brentwood

Following an investigative lead, working in cooperation with Brentwood Police, undercover Con Fire investigators made contact with a resident of Antioch. This individual confirmed the tip Con Fire had obtained, offering illegal fireworks for sale. The seller insisted on meeting at a location within the City of Brentwood, where investigators established surveillance ahead of the meet. Meeting with the seller, investigators confirmed illegal fireworks were being sold and detained the seller.

During the investigation, it was learned additional fireworks were stored at the suspect’s home in Antioch. A search of that home recovered additional fireworks. In total, 101 pounds of illegal fireworks were confiscated and the seller was issued a citation.

Arrested for fireworks sales was Gabriel Ramirez, 25, a resident of Antioch.

Con Fire investigators continue to work to remove dangerous fireworks from our communities’ streets, along with putting those who traffic them, out of business. Residents can help them in this important public safety mission by reporting illegal fireworks sales to the Arson Tip Line at 1-866-50-ARSON.

Use of fireworks of any type is illegal in Contra Costa County and exceedingly dangerous during these drought conditions. Con Fire urges anyone observing fireworks being used to report this to their local law enforcement at 1-833-885-2021 and to report all fires immediately to 911.

Con Fire’s Fire Investigation Unit asks residents to help them fight fireworks crime across the county by reporting all fireworks sales to the Arson Tip Line at 1-866-50-ARSON. They caution residents not to hesitate on information that seems too little or unimportant to matter, adding some of the most valuable tips come from residents who were not aware what they saw was very important to the investigation of an incident.

At 1-866-50-ARSON, residents can leave a recorded message about fire-related criminal activity in English or Spanish. Tips can be anonymous, but all tips are treated confidentially. Fire investigators sometimes need additional information, so inclusion of name and phone number is encouraged.

Con Fire announces multiple illegal fireworks arrests ahead of Independence Day holiday

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Fireworks seized in June 11, 2021 fireworks sales busts in Pittsburg. Photos: ConFire

Undercover investigators seize thousands of dollars’ worth of dangerous fireworks in Pittsburg, San Pablo, Antioch and Concord

By Steve Hill, Public Information Officer, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District

Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (Con Fire) announced, Tuesday, its fire investigators, working undercover, have made multiple fireworks-related arrests in June resulting in large quantities of dangerous fireworks being removed from community streets.

In their continued efforts to take dangerous fireworks off our streets, Con Fire investigators have conducted the following fireworks enforcement actions in recent days:

June 11, 2021 – Multiple Locations, Pittsburg

Con Fire investigators conducted an undercover buy of illegal fireworks in the City of Pittsburg, with the initial purchase leading to two additional residences in Pittsburg with several thousand dollars’ worth of fireworks confiscated at each residence. The names of those involved are being withheld pending ongoing investigation.

Fireworks seized in June 15, 2021 fireworks-caused apartment fire in San Pablo.

June 15, 2021 – Crestwood Drive, San Pablo

Fire investigators made a fireworks-related arrest in relation to a fireworks-caused fire on an apartment balcony in the 15000 block of Crestwood Drive, San Pablo. A 16-year-old resident of San Pablo was arrested for Fire to Inhabited Structures (PC § 452(b)) and Possession of Dangerous Fireworks (California Health and Safety Code § 12700). Additional fireworks of the type that caused the fire were located and recovered from the apartment. The juvenile’s name is not being released because of his age. He was released to his parents’ custody after the arrest. Con Fire continues to investigate this case and will refer it to the District Attorney and Con Fire’s Youth Firesetter Program.

Fireworks seized in June 17, 2021 fireworks sales bust in Antioch.

June 17, 2021 – G Street at West 10th Street, Antioch

Based on an undercover buy of illegal fireworks by Con Fire investigators, Kevin Thomas, 25, a resident of Pittsburg, was arrested on charges of Unlawful Advertising of Any Business or Venture Involving Fireworks (California Health and Safety Code § 12670), Unlawful Sale, Transfer, Giving, Delivery or Other Conveyance of Title of Any Dangerous Fireworks (California Health and Safety Code § 12676), and Unlawful Possession of Dangerous Fireworks Without Holding a Valid Permit (California Health and Safety Code § 12677). The fireworks intended to be sold were seized as evidence. Thomas was identified as an active parolee, recently released from the California Department of Corrections, as the result of a robbery conviction. The seller was issued a criminal citation.

Fireworks seized in June 21, 2021 fireworks sales bust in Concord.

June 21, 2021 — Port Chicago Highway at Bates Ave., Concord

Con Fire investigators researched and located a social media post advertising illegal fireworks for sale in Contra Costa County. Acting undercover, investigators contacted the seller and arranged a purchase. Meeting with the seller, investigators confirmed illegal fireworks were being sold and arrested Thomas Daeshawn, 22, a resident of Concord, seizing 90 pounds of fireworks as evidence. The seller was identified as being on probation in Alameda County as a result of a robbery conviction. The seller was issued a criminal citation and Con Fire investigators are following up with Alameda County for a possible probation violation. Daeshawn was cited for Unlawful Sale, Transfer, Giving, Delivery or Other Conveyance of Title of Any Dangerous Fireworks (California Health and Safety Code § 12676), and Unlawful Possession of Dangerous Fireworks Without Holding a Valid Permit (California Health and Safety Code § 12677).

Con Fire investigators continue to work to remove dangerous fireworks from our communities’ streets, along with putting those who traffic them, out of business. Residents can help them in this important public safety mission by reporting illegal fireworks sales to the Arson Tip Line at 1-866-50-ARSON.

Use of fireworks of any type is illegal in Contra Costa County and exceedingly dangerous during these drought conditions. Con Fire urges anyone observing fireworks being used to report this to their local law enforcement non-emergency line and to report all fires immediately to 911.

Con Fire’s Fire Investigation Unit asks residents to help them fight the crime of arson across the county by calling the Arson Tip Line at 1-866-50-ARSON. They caution residents not to hesitate on information that seems too little or unimportant to matter, adding some of the most valuable tips come from residents who were not aware what they saw was very important to the investigation of an incident.

At 1-866-50-ARSON, residents can leave a recorded message about fire-related criminal activity in English or Spanish. Tips can be anonymous, but all tips are treated confidentially. Fire investigators sometimes need additional information, so inclusion of name and phone number is encouraged.

Contra Costa Supervisors pass fireworks ordinance, prepare for hot, dry summer

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Photo by CCCSheriff.

Mitchoff questions holding July 4th parades; approve funds to address illegal dumping

By Daniel Borsuk

Fourth of July celebrations are around the corner and the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday took a strident step in minimizing fires by unanimously passing a stronger fireworks ordinance that pins financial liability on owners of property and vessels where fireworks are used in unincorporated areas of the county.

Recognizing the extreme dry vegetation conditions the county now faces due to low winter rain fall, supervisors passed the ordinance as a consent item without hearing citizen comments on Ordinance No. 2021-19 that amends the county’s fireworks ordinance, Chapter 44-2 of the County Ordinance Code.

Contra Costa County received only 30 percent of average rainfall, said Brian Garcia, a National Weather Service meteorologist.  “The fuels that we have for fire this year are already at record levels. It’s really bad already and we’re not at the peak of the fire season.”

Conditions are so dry, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District Deputy Fire Chief Aaron McAlister said, “Whether its moderate, high or very high, the risks are here in this county. We definitely have that potential that existed south of us and north of us in previous years. That potential now exists here in Contra Costa County.”

Under the new ordinance, property and vessel owners are responsible for ensuring that the use of illegal fireworks does not occur on their property.  Owners may be liable for ordinance violations if illegal fireworks are used on their property or vessel.

Board Chair Diane Burgis of Brentwood was the supervisor who shepherd the tougher fireworks ordinance, citing an increase in fireworks violations in her District 3 area.

“Illegal fireworks are a drain on our system,” Burgis said. “We simply don’t have the resources to address this continued problem. I would encourage cities and towns to adopt stronger ordinances and send the message that illegal fireworks will not be tolerated in Contra Costa County.”

“Due to unseasonably dry fuel conditions in Contra Costa County, we urge the public to take every precaution to prevent wildfires,” said Contra Costa County Fire Department Chief Lewis T. Brouschard III. “The use of illegal fireworks caused a recent fire in our county that destroyed two apartment buildings and displaced 30 residents. Playing with illegal fireworks is dangerous and poses the very real possibility of causing wildland fires that could easily destroy homes and threaten lives in this time of critically high fire risk.  We urge everyone to follow the regulations and stay safe.”

“Illegal fireworks in our county continually pose a threat to the safety of our communities,” said East Contra Costa Fire Protection District Fire Chief Brian Helmick in a press release. “On behalf of the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District, we would like to thank Supervisor Burgis for taking these necessary actions to curb the use of illegal fireworks and for helping to protect all citizens who have been impacted by illegal fireworks.”

Passage of the fireworks ordinance, a supervisors’ meeting consent item that did not draw public comment.

According to the supervisors’ agenda background information:

“Chapter 44-2 of the County Ordinance Code prohibits the possession, manufacture, sale, use and discharge of fireworks in the unincorporated areas of the County. The Sheriff and fire department in the County receive numerous calls for service each year stemming from illegal fireworks, including calls to address vegetation fires, structure and exterior fires, personal injury or death, and noise or other public nuisances.

“The proposed ordinance would amend Chapter 44-2 and authorize the Sheriff to arrest and cite a responsible party as defined in the ordinance, for violations of Chapter 44-2.   The proposed ordinance established that a responsible party is required to maintain, manage and supervise the property or vessel for which they are responsible to prevent violations of Chapter 44-2. A responsible party is liable and violates the prohibition on fireworks under Chapter 44-2 if any person possesses, manufactures, sells, offers to sell, uses, or discharges, any fireworks at the property, or on the vessel, for which the responsible part is responsible, regardless of whether the responsible party is present when the violation occurs.

“The proposed ordinance defines a responsible party as any of the following:

  1. A person that owns, rents, leases, or otherwise has possession of, or is in immediate control of a residence or other private property or a vessel.
  2. A person that organizes, supervises, sponsors, conducts, allows, controls, or controls access to the possession, manufacture, sale, offer for sale, use, or discharge of fireworks at a residence or other private property or on a vessel.

“If a residence or other private is rented or leased for a period of more than 30 consecutive days, the landlord or lessor is not a responsible party unless the landlord or lessor: has possession of, or is in immediate control of, the residence or other private property; or has knowledge of the possession, manufacture, sale, offer for sale, sue, or discharge of fireworks at the residence or other private property.

The owner of a residence that is rented for a period of 30 consecutive days or less (a short-term rental) is a responsible party and is liable for violations of Chapter 44-2 if the short-term renter, or any other person, possesses, manufactures, sells, offers to sell, uses, or discharges, any fireworks at the residence, regardless of whether they owner of the short-term rental is present when the violation occurs.”

Mitchoff Questions Holding July 4th Parades

At one point during the meeting, Supervisor Karen Mitchoff of Pleasant Hill questioned the wisdom of cities permitting July 4th parades at least this year even though the county and all other counties will be off the Centers for Disease Control color tier system effective June 15.

“If you have not been vaccinated, people need to take this seriously for one more year,” said the supervisor. “There are communities that think they can handle this.  I am not so sure that is the case. The public needs to take this seriously. People will show up at parades and will be unvaccinated.”

Contra Costa County Deputy Health Director Ori Tzvilell said the state’s mask mandate will be relaxed effective June 15 “only if everyone has been vaccinated.”  Mask requirements will remain in place for retail businesses, he noted.

County Chief Equity Officer Gilbert Salinas said the health department will conduct a mobile vaccination unit in a census tract in Antioch (North of Highway 4 from L Street to Sommerville Road) to vaccinate about 16,000 unvaccinated persons on June 11.

Salinas said future mobile vaccination activities are planned for Antioch Park, Antioch Middle School and Pittsburg City Park.

Stormwater Utility Assessments Approved

Even in severe drought conditions, supervisors had to think about the potential of stormwater pollution issues, especially funding. Supervisors approved assessments for Stormwater Utility Areas 1 through 18 that will provide $15,914,283 in funding for the cities and county for the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System program and drainage maintenance activities during fiscal year 2021-2022.

Approve Initial Illegal Dumping Funds

In other action, supervisors launched the county’s Illegal Dumping Initiative with the allocation of $350,000. “This is exciting,” said Burgis, who served as one of the key catalysts to jump start the initiative three years ago.

The board’s action instructs that $200,000 of the $350,000 will be spent for the installation of lighting and $150,000 will be directed to remove 50 derelict boats and recreational vehicles during the current 2021-2022 fiscal year.

Burgis and District 5 Supervisor Federal Glover were key players in initiating in 2018 the formation of an interdepartmental “Think Tank” team of professionals from county departments to propose how to address the illegal dumping problems.  County departments involved in the Think Tank are the Sheriff’s Office, the District Attorney’s Office, the Department of Public Works, the Environmental Health Division of the Health Services Department and the Department of Conservation and Development.

Suspect arrested for Memorial Day fireworks-related apartment fire in Antioch

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James Sossaman, 44, Antioch resident, arrested May 31 for Unlawfully Causing a Fire (PC § 452(c)) and Felon in Possession of a Firearm (PC § 29800) and aerial view of May 31 Hargrove St., Antioch fire reveals area of grassfire origin and damaged apartment buildings. Photos: Con Fire

Investigators determine vegetation fire that destroyed eight apartments, displaced 40 residents caused by fireworks.

By Steve Hill, Public Information Officer, Con Fire

Fireworks seized in conjunction with May 31 Antioch grassfire that led to destruction of eight apartments and displacement of 40 residents. Photo: Con Fire

Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (Con Fire) today, June 1, 2021, announced its fire investigators made a fireworks-related arrest yesterday in relation to a fireworks-caused fire behind apartments in the 1700-block of Hargrove Street in Antioch that destroyed eight units and displaced 40 residents.

James Sossaman, 44, an Antioch resident, was arrested for Unlawfully Causing a Fire to Inhabited Structures (PC § 452(b)) and Felon in Possession of a Firearm (PC § 29800) and transported by Antioch Police to Martinez Detention Facility for booking.

Con Fire responded to multiple reports of a vegetation fire behind apartments in the 1700 block of Hargrove in Antioch, May 31 just after 5:30 p.m. While responding, Engine 81 reported a large column of black smoke from a half mile away. Upon arrival, the grass fire had already extended from the grass into a two-story apartment complex and a second-alarm response was ordered. An aggressive fire attack followed in an attempt to slow the spread of fire.

Through witness interviews and surveillance videos, investigators located the person responsible for the grass fire and determined it was caused by Sossaman throwing an M-100 pyrotechnic device into the field behind the apartment complex. Through the investigation, Sossaman was also found to be on felony probation. During a search of his apartment, a loaded firearm was located along with several other illegal fireworks.

Weather conditions at the time — temperatures in the upper 90s with wind gusts between 15-20 mph – quickly fed the fire into the neighboring apartments. Crews, including East Contra Costa Fire’s Battalion 5, were able to stop grassfire spread across the gully and protect the apartments on the west side of the incident.

Additional companies worked to extinguish the structure fires and search 10 separate apartments that were either on fire or in immediate danger of catching fire. Strong winds blew the fire across a breezeway to adjoining apartments. A coordinated fire attack resulted in the fire being extinguished at approximately 6:26 p.m. Crews were on scene for approximately three hours to overhaul and salvage as much as possible.

The fire displaced 40 residents and the American Red Cross assisted with housing for those displaced.

No firefighters were injured. Two civilians were transported to hospital for smoke inhalation.

Con Fire’s Fire Investigation Unit urges residents to help them fight the crime of arson across the county by calling the Arson Tip Line at 1-866-50-ARSON. They caution residents not to hesitate on information that seems too little or unimportant to matter, adding some of the most valuable tips come from residents who were not aware what they saw was very important to the investigation of an incident.

At 1-866-50-ARSON, residents can leave a recorded message about fire-related criminal activity in English or Spanish. Tips can be anonymous, but all tips are treated confidentially. Fire investigators sometimes need additional information, so inclusion of name and phone number is encouraged.

Rural Brentwood fire consumes house, outbuildings Tuesday afternoon

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By Allen Payton

At 4:13 pm Wednesday, April 20, 2021, all three of East Contra Costa Fire Protection District’s (ECCFPDs) engines were on scene of a fire involving a home and two outbuildings in the 10800 block of Brentwood Blvd.

Three quarters of the structure destroyed by fire, smoke and water damage to the remaining quarter. The outbuilding was fully engulfed in flames. The damage was estimated at $362,551.52 and the cause was probably electrical failure according to Battalion Chief Craig Auzenne.

A defensive stance was taken while protecting a propane tank, he reported. Water supply established by three water tenders in a shuttle. Crews were able to contain the fire to the main residence and two outbuildings. The Red Cross was notified to assist the resident. There were no injuries to either civilians or firefighters.

Drivers were asked to find an alternative route as the roadway was blocked off by crews working to extinguish the fire. High winds hampered the firefighters’ efforts.

Discovery Bay resident fined over $26,000 for illegal July 4th fireworks show

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Some of the fireworks seen in Discovery Bay on July 4, 2020.

East Contra Costa Fire Protection District ins appeals hearing for citation issued for illegal fireworks show on July 4, 2020

By Steve Aubert, Fire Marshal, Public Information Officer, East Contra Costa Fire Protection District

The East Contra Costa Fire Protection District (ECCFPD) Fire Prevention Division was advised of an illegal fireworks show that had taken place on the July 4, 2020 holiday in Discovery Bay. An investigation pursued and revealed a large-scale show of a little over 500 fireworks had been fired the night of the 4th of July resulting in one Discovery Bay resident receiving a citation of $26,325.00.

Fire Marshal Steve Aubert stated, “With the District’s limited resources of only three stations available to respond to fires, our Prevention Division works to eliminate all potential fires within the District.”

District Board President Brian Oftedal stated, “On June 25, 2020 the Fire District put out a press release urging everyone to avoid the temptation of putting yourself and your neighbors at risk and reminded the public that Contra Costa County is a firework free zone.”

“It is unfortunate that these warnings were blatantly ignored and that our community was placed at increased risk,” he continued. “I am hopeful that this incident will serve as an eye opener to our communities and discourages individuals from violating local and county ordinances in the future.”

All fireworks are illegal in Contra Costa County, and violators may be subject to criminal charges or citations if found to possess, manufacture, sell, use or discharge, or offer to do so, any fireworks (including “dangerous,” “safe and sane,” and other fireworks) as defined in or pursuant to Health and Safety Code Sections 12502 through 12504.

Smoke from a small fire could be seen in Discovery Bay during the private, illegal fireworks displays. Asked if that was caused by the person who was fined Aubert responded, “Hard to say. We ran so many calls that night and there were less than a handful of us patrolling for illegal fireworks.  This one was brought to our attention later.”

ABOUT ECCFPD

The East Contra Costa Fire Protection District is a rural-funded fire district that currently operates 3 fire stations and has a 3-station deficit. The District protects a population of more than 128,000 across its 249 square-mile service area. ECCFPD provides firefighting personnel, emergency medical services (basic life support) and fire prevention to the residents and businesses of the cities of Brentwood and Oakley, and unincorporated communities of Discovery Bay, Bethel Island, Knightsen, Byron, Marsh Creek, and Morgan Territory. Learn more at www.eccfpd.org or social media via Facebook (East Contra Costa Fire Protection District), Instagram(@east_contra_costa_fire), Twitter (@ECCFPD) or our YouTube channel (East Contra Costa Fire Protection District).

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

Construction completed, ribbon cut to open new Fire Station 70 in San Pablo

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Officials and firefighters joined Fire Chief Lewis T. Broschard (with scissors) for the ribbon cutting. Video screenshot.

Station set to replace temporary facilities in use since 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake

Front view of the new Station 70 in San Pablo. Photo: Con Fire

The Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (Con Fire) announced Tuesday, April 13, 2021, the completion of construction of the new Fire Station 70 in the City of San Pablo. Located at the corner of 23rd Street and Market Avenue, the new station will replace temporary Fire Station 70, which has been in service nearby since the permanent one was severely damaged in the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake.

Officials, firefighters and family members of those for whom the station is named, joined Fire Chief Lewis T. Broschard for the ribbon cutting ceremony to officially open the station.

When actually opened in the coming weeks, Fire Station 70 will support the city and surrounding communities along with district firefighters, allowing for better quality of life, health, training, and community interaction. The three-bay station is built to modern earthquake standards to ensure its availability for facilitating disaster preparedness and response, including a potential location for a West County disaster-response command post.

Fire Station 70 is named the Captain Matthew Burton and Engineer Scott Desmond Memorial Station in recognition of the ultimate sacrifice made by these Con Fire firefighters in the early morning hours of July 21, 2007. Responding on Engine 70 to reports of a structure fire on nearby Michelle Drive, Captain Burton and Engineer Desmond tragically lost their lives attempting to rescue a couple trapped in their burning home. As a result of their sacrifice, the Con Fire Advisory Fire Commission recommended, and the Fire Board (County Board of Supervisors) authorized, the new fire station dedication in their names.

Corner view of the new Station 70 in San Pablo. Photo: Con Fire

“Today culminates a multi-year collaborative effort between Con Fire and the City of San Pablo to get our firefighters into a modern and long overdue permanent fire station in San Pablo,” said Lewis T. Broschard III, fire chief, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District. “The new Fire Station 70 is a fitting memorial to fallen firefighters Matt Burton and Scott Desmond, offering enhanced facilities to support emergency services to both neighboring communities and the firefighters who will staff it.”

Total cost for the new station is $14 million with the City of San Pablo contributing $4.5 million to the project.

Designed with cancer prevention in mind, the station will include state-of-the-art gross decontamination showers, turnout extractors, a decontamination sauna, and modern systems for extraction of diesel exhaust particulates. The new station’s training props will allow for considerable training opportunities for crews including ladder work, rappelling and indoor all-weather training.

Con Fire, county officials break ground on new Fire Station 86 in Bay Point Friday

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Con Fire personnel prepare for the new Fire Station 86 ground breaking in Bay Point on Friday, April 9, 2021. Photo: Office of Supervisor Federal Glover.

Station will replace facility in continuous use since late 1940s

By Steve Hill, Public Information Officer, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District

Station 86 rendering. Source: ConFire

The Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (Con Fire) announced the start of construction of and broke ground for the new Fire Station 86 in Bay Point during a ceremony on Friday, April 9. When complete the station will replace the existing facility on Willow Pass Road, which has been in continuous service since its construction in the late 1940s.

When completed, Fire Station 86 will enhance emergency service capabilities and better support District firefighters, allowing for better quality of life, health, training and community interaction. The station will be built to modern earthquake standards to ensure its availability for facilitating disaster preparedness and response, and its three oversized bays will accommodate large apparatus such as the District’s fire dozers, if needed.

“We are pleased to announce construction of our long-awaited Fire Station 86 in Bay Point, offering enhanced facilities to support emergency services to neighboring communities,” said Lewis T. Broschard III, fire chief, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District. “Today is the culmination of a project several decades in the planning that will soon provide a functional and long overdue modern fire station for our firefighters in Bay Point and the communities they serve.”

This fire station will serve Bay Point and the adjacent City of Pittsburg, areas that have experienced significant growth in recent years, and are expected to continue to do so. District 5 Supervisor Federal Glover who represents both communities attended Friday’s ceremony.

The station will house one engine company but will be capable of accommodating a second crew for Red Flag fire weather events or expansion of services in the future. The facility will comply with seismic standards as well as ADA requirements. It will provide fire protection for the community over the next fifty years and provide personnel with the systems and features found in modem fire stations.

The new Fire Station 86 will be a 10,800 square foot, single-story structure designed with cancer prevention in mind. It will include state-of-the-art gross decontamination showers, turnout extractors and modern systems for extraction of diesel exhaust particulates.

The design comprises three apparatus bays, a kitchen, seven firefighter dormitories, three restrooms, offices, training and exercise facilities, decontamination spaces, storage, day- and dining-rooms. The project also includes visitor parking, secured firefighter parking, an emergency power generator, an onsite fuel tank, and a photovoltaic roof system.

The project has been designed to meet LEED Silver equivalency per the County’s standard for public buildings.

The County Board of Supervisors, acting as the Fire Board of Directors, originally approved the design and bid documents on October 13, 2020. The same Board approved a construction contract with Overaa & Co. on Jan. 9, 2021 in the amount of $9,579,000. This project will be financed by lease revenue bonds, approved by the Board on December 15, 2020. The debt service for these bonds will be paid by a combination of revenue from development impact fees and the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District general operating fund over a 20-year period.

A groundbreaking ceremony for the new Fire Station 86, with elected officials from the County and District leadership making remarks and participating in a gold-shovel event, took place today at the construction site, 10 Goble Court, Bay Point.

About Con Fire — A recognized fire service leader – – Con Fire provides fire and emergency medical services to more than a million people across its 304 square-mile District area, and through mutual aid, in and around the 20 cities and unincorporated communities of Contra Costa County, California. With few exceptions, county emergency ambulance transport services are provided by Con Fire through its unique sub-contractor Alliance model across the District and beyond to include some 520 square miles of the county. In 2020, the District responded to nearly 75,000 fire and EMS emergencies and dispatched some 95,000 ambulances, providing expert medical care on more than 74,000 ambulance transports. The District, with 26 fire stations and more than 400 employees, is dedicated to preserving life, property, and the environment.

Con Fire training class interrupted to rescue kayaker in Pittsburg Monday

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ConFire boat crew training class at the Pittsburg waterfront on Monday, March 22, 2021. Source: Con Fire

By Contra Costa County Fire Protection District

On Monday, March 22, 2021, while boat crews were training on on IRBs (Inflatable Raft Boats). They noticed a kayaker had capsized and was unable to right his kayak due to in-climate weather and a strong current.

Thankfully, crews from RB281 and FB285 were able to respond quickly and rescue the kayaker and recover his kayak. The biggest takeaway is that the kayaker was not wearing a life vest. Please remember when going onto the water in any watercraft to always have enough life vest for you and any passengers.

Events like this are exactly why training like today occur. Kudos to our crews for being heads up and responding quickly.