A fire that Contra Costa County Fire has been dealing with in City of Pittsburg since late May continues to burn. The fire kicked back up Friday and as of Saturday afternoon is sending a ton of drift smoke into the City of Antioch and City of Oakley.
By 12:50 pm Saturday, CONFIRE requested multiple units to Nantucket Drive off Willow Pass Road. They have also requested air support to assist in preventing the fire from impacting the NRG Plant. Crews were also attempting to save some of the “walking decks” in the area.
CONFIRE said the wind shift had blown the fire which had been burning in Bay Point towards the de-commissioned Pittsburg Power Plant.
They tweeted out Friday:
“Con Fire monitoring long-smoldering fire in the Pittsburg marsh area waterfront, which tonight is again giving off smoke. Fire is in an inaccessible & uninhabited area. No structures are threatened as it burns itself out. Please do not call 911 for this fire.”
As of May 31, the fire was estimated at 270 acres, however, it had continued to burn. No structures were impacted. The fire was originally at 20-acres but continued to grow in 20-30 acre increments in largely inaccessible marshland.
UPDATE
On Saturday, Contra Costa County Fire said the blaze burned more than 200 acres. No structures were damaged and no injuries were reported. Firefighters would remain on scene to watch for flare ups and hot spots.
The fire burned vegetation from brush, to marshland to trees and got into Fernandos Junk Yard. Heavy smoke was observed from the City of Antioch, City of Oakley all the way to Sacramento County.
According to the District, access to the fire was difficult which is why a significant amount of smoke can still be observed.
No Drones
On Sunday, Contra Costa County Fire reminded the public that drones are not allowed to be flown during an active incident over the fire.
Con Fire had requested all drones to be grounded immediately, within a 5 mile radius, of the Marsh Incident near 700 block of Willow Pass Road. Helicopters will be flying to assist with firefighting operations.
Monday Update
Smoke from Marsh Fire smoldering in Pittsburg, with heavy marine layer, causing hazy conditions across East Bay. Con Fire on scene monitoring for flare ups. No structures threatened, no evacuations expected. Please do not call 911.
More on smoke protection: http://cchealth.org/wildfire-smoke/
Check back for Updates.
