Contra Costa County Fire Protection District officials said Sunday they extinguished at least four fires started Saturday night by fireworks, which are illegal in Contra Costa
According to district fire marshal Chris Bachman, one occurred near the parking lot of Highlands Elementary school in Pittsburg. The other three occurred in Antioch, the largest of which grew to two acres. No injuries were reported.
Seven other fires were reported Saturday night in Contra Costa that could've been started by fireworks, Bachman said.
"Resulting fires put property and lives in danger and strain emergency resources," the district tweeted Sunday. " Con Fire urges residents to celebrate responsibly and safely - fireworks free."
Residents said they’ve heard illegal fireworks going off and even smelled smoke that has them concerned with the dry hills around them.
Michael Mouton lives in Antioch and told NBC Bay Area Sunday that it’s been getting loud at night as we get closer to the 4th of July holiday.
"Out in this area, we get a lot of people wanting to pop fireworks and set them off," he said.
Officials said that cooler weather conditions and two hand crews, which they have fully staffed this weekend, has helped them put out and respond to calls faster than usual.
Con fire said there’s usually about 100 fire calls this holiday weekend and as of Sunday, there’s only been seven calls. They believe cities and law enforcement agencies have been much more proactive this year, which could be one of the reasons we’ve had a slow start.
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Agencies and residents are hoping it stays that way.
“There was 10 fires in our town this last year, a small town it could just happen in a second, it's just scary,” said Sonoma County resident Joanne Whitfield.
The Contra Costa County Fire Protection District has set up a toll-free hotline for use by residents to immediately contact and report any illegal fireworks use in their area. The phone number is 1-833-885-2021.
