YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
Vol. 17, No. 28
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Exterior fire spreads to local home
Photo by Tony Kukulich
An exterior structure fire spread to an Antioch home, causing $150,000 worth of damage. No injuries were reported.
An exterior structure fire extended into an Antioch home, causing approximately $150,000 worth of damage on Thursday, July 6. Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (ConFire) Battalion Chief Bob Atlas said the fire, on the 4700 block of Vista Grande Drive, was reported around 3 p.m. When ConFire and East Contra Costa Fire Protection District (ECCFPD) crews arrived, the exterior fire had extended to the eaves and attic of the home. The call initially reported a rescue of a small child might be required. According to Atlas, a homeowner was in the house with a 2-year-old child and a dog when the fire broke out, but all escaped without injury. High temperatures at the time of the fire created risks for
the firefighters on scene. “So today, we’re in temperatures in the triple digits,” said Atlas. “It does promote a significant heat illness and heat strain factor for the crews. Today, we had to call a unit from Walnut Creek – a breathing support (unit) – to assist with rehabilitation for the crews. So we’re concerned with crew safety.” After most of the fire was knocked down, wind-blown embers ignited the crown of a palm tree on the property. The tree burned intensely until firefighters were able to get water into the upper reaches of the tree. Atlas said the fire appeared to have started along or near a fence, before spreading to the home. ConFire investigators are attempting to determine the cause of the blaze.
Grand jury releases report on fire district by Kyle Szymanski Staff Writer
A recently released Contra Costa County Grand Jury report concluded that the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District needs to open additional stations to provide adequate protection and recommends changes to tackle the district’s funding crisis. The district recently dropped again to three stations with the closure of Knightsen Station 94 on July 1. “Three fire stations are insufficient to provide adequate urban and suburban fire protection coverage in a fire district with a population of 110,000 and an area of 249 square miles,” stated
“ Three fire stations are insufficient to provide adequate urban and suburban fire protection coverage in a fire district with a population of 110,000..
the report. The grand jury announced its findings after interviewing local officials and exploring district financial statements, agendas, meeting minutes and various other reports. The study found that none of the district’s six localities met the national standard response
time of 5 to 6 minutes in 2016. Even with four district stations in service for about half of that year, the district’s response time still averaged 14:24 to Bethel Island, 10 minutes to Discovery Bay and Byron, 9:42 to Knightsen, 7:25 to Brentwood and 7:05 to Oakley. “Three (engines) is just not
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Contra Costa County Grand Jury
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adequate to be able to provide the services that we need to protect the citizens and the businesses in our community,” interim Fire Chief Brian Helmick said this week. The report also noted that, aside from putting residents’ safety and property at risk, the resource shortage could also potentially increase homeowners’ insurance rates. One resident said this is already occurring. Bethel Island resident Mark Whitlock relayed a story to the fire board about a real-estate transaction that fell through late in the process over the cost of fire insurance. see Report page 34
County Opening www.thepress.net/news/webextras
Aviation Advisory Committee extends application deadline for an open position.
July 14, 2017
Getting Back To School
The Mothers of Brentwood and others help students start the school year off right. Page 14
Giving Hope, Support
Local group offers comfort to community members living with low vision or blindness Page 4
International Opportunity
Eric Donaldson was selected for Great Britain’s team at the European Championships. Page 23 Calendar............................... 35 Classifieds............................ 30 Cop Logs............................... 33 Entertainment.................... 11 Food....................................... 10 Health & Beauty................... 9 Meet The Beat....................... 7 Milestones........................... 20 Pets........................................ 12 Sports.................................... 23
A New Name
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Garaventa family disposal companies renamed to Mt. Diablo Resource Recovery.