Officials: Illegal fireworks caused blaze last week
The inferno forced 2,200 evacuations and burned 122 acres
PITTSBURG >> Illegal fireworks caused a grass fire that came close to burning about 100 homes in Pittsburg last week, officials with the Contra Costa Fire Protection District said Wednesday.
The blaze June 17 burned 122 acres and forced about 2,200 residents to evacuate in the area. No one was injured, and no houses were damaged.
It also served as a reminder of the dangers looming with the Fourth of July holiday approaching and the sounds of fireworks increasing.
“It clearly demonstrates the danger to you, your neighbor, your community if you use (fireworks),” Con Fire Assistant Chief and Fire Marshal Chris Bachman said. “So please do not use fireworks this year. They pose an extreme danger.”
All fireworks, including safe and sane ones, are illegal in Contra Costa County. Around the Bay Area, safe and sane ones are legal only in Dublin, Gilroy, Newark, Pacifica, Rohnert Park, San Bruno and Union City.
Investigators determined the fire originated in open space, about 200 yards south of Jacqueline Drive, because people were using fireworks, Bachman said. It first was reported about 2 a.m.
“During the investigation, we found remnants of the fireworks,” Bachman said. “Through burn patterns, we were able to determine where it started. Most of the remnants were heavily damaged. Those remnants will be taken into evidence as we continue to search for the person or persons who did this.”
Authorities did not identify or describe any suspects. Bachman said investigators are following leads. Bachman said confidently that he thinks investigators will find those responsible.
Bachman said that the number of fires caused by fireworks “are down” from this time a year ago, but he did not offer specific numbers.
He did say that the number of vegetation and other exterior fires are up 20% in Contra Costa County. He also said vegetation is burning “hotter and faster.”
The fire last week burned to the northeast, northwest and south, threatening homes on Jacqueline and Daffodil drives and Serrano Way, Hill said.
It was fueled by hot and dry conditions with 30 mph winds.
In some places, it burned within 25 yards of property lines.
Cal Fire crews also fought the blaze, and Contra Costa Sheriff's Office deputies and Pittsburg police helped with evacuations. Contra Costa County's new digital evacuation system sent out messages ordering residents in the area of north of Jacqueline Drive, south of West Leland Road, east of Bailey Road and west of San Remo Way to get out.
Many residents had evacuated before authorities knocked on their doors, fire spokesman Steve Hill said.
The amount of defensible space created by people in the neighborhood who cut back their weeds also helped to save the homes, fire officials said.