CON FIRE warns Contra Costa fire conditions currently at July/August levels

By Press Release 4 years ago
CON FIRE warns Contra Costa fire conditions currently at July/August levels
This photo shows an early season, April 29, 2021, grass fire in south Pittsburg, CA. The benefits of proper weed abatement and defensible space creation are clearly demonstrated in homes three and six, untouched by fire. Houses one, two, four and five all sustained damage to either accessory structures or outbuildings. The interdependence of neighbors on each other’s weed abatement is shown by the fire that burned from the partially unabated house four into neighboring house five. The rapid response of Con Fire firefighters stopped the fire burning into house five by mere feet and protected all seven houses from damage or destruction. Had house five burned, it is likely the well-abated houses six and seven may also have been lost. (Photo courtesy Con Fire’s Fire Investigation Unit)

CONCORD, CA, May 3, 2021 – The Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (Con Fire) announced the return to full responses for all grass, vegetation, and wildland fires across the District. The stepped up measures come as a result of the early arrival of seasonal fire weather.

Full responses consist of a minimum of five firefighting apparatus and crews. Since December 2020, such responses had been reduced to a single engine based on the lessened threat during winter months.

In addition to increasing response levels for all grass, vegetation and wildland fires, Con Fire is also adjusting staffing levels, including doubling to two its Crew 12 fire control worker teams, allowing for seven-day-per-week availability. Other changes include plans for up-staffing additional wildland fire engines and crews, addition of new Type 6 wildland fire engines and a new fire dozer to the fleet, and the availability since late last year of aerial firefighting capability provided by Con Air 1.

Drought conditions

A significant contributor to early arrival of fire weather  is low rainfall. The current season rain total shows 35 to 40% of the historically normal amount for this date. Late season storms have failed to provide significant rainfall in many weeks.

Due to lack of moisture, grass and new brush growth has been stunted. In addition, the fuels present across the District are uncharacteristically dry for this point in the season. Moreover, long-range weather forecasts predict average to slightly above average temperatures. And they predict little chance of measurable precipitation.

More dangerous fire behaviors

“Fire weather is once again upon us, earlier than in recent years. And seemingly more dangerous with fire behaviors normally not seen until July and August,” said Fire Chief Lewis T. Broschard III, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District. “I urge all residents to prepare for the possibility of wildfires now. Practice weed abatement and defensible space creation and review plans for evacuation, should it become necessary.”

“Owner preparation of properties is the single most effective thing that can be done to save homes and businesses ahead of possible wildfires,” said Assistant Chief and Fire Marshal Chris Bachman, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District. “Investment in fire safe preparation today can buy the time tomorrow for firefighters to arrive and protect structures from wildfire loss. The owner who abates weeds and creates defensible space can truly make a difference, which early season fires have already demonstrated.”

Defensive measures

As Con Fire prepares for a significant wildfire season, they urge all residents to do the same to protect their families, homes and neighbors. If not already done, now is the time to ensure properties meet or exceed all weed abatement and defensible space requirements. These are the single most important things property owners can do to ensure firefighters have the time to protect them from wildfires that may occur.

Detailed information on protecting homes and businesses from wildfire dangers, including weed abatement deadlines and preparing now for the possibility of evacuation can be found on the District’s website at www.cccfpd.org

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