Just after 5:00 pm Tuesday, the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District responded to a report of a residential structure fire in the 2700 block of Virginia Dr in the City of Brentwood.
While responding, it was reported that there was a fire in the backyard and it had gotten into some trees. With winds, the tree fire send embers to other parts of the property–eventually spreading to three properties in total. The fire sent a cloud of brown smoke into the area and a partial traffic issue at Lone Tree and Brentwood Blvd.
According to CONFIRE spokesperson Victor Daniel, the crew quickly realized it was a vegetation fire and had spread due to the lack of vegetation management and the wind. Crews were able to get it under control and the limit the fire spread.
“This is why we stress the importance of vegetation management in the District,” stated Daniel. “Its very important we manage dead vegetation as well as ladder fuels in order to prevent fires like this from coming much greater in size.”
According to preliminary information, the fire appears to have been caused by an electrical issue in the backyard, but no other details were provided other than it was an “electronic device in the backyard” and CONFiRe encourages residents manage the vegetation and using rated equipment appropriately.
Along with minimal exterior damage to the home, also damaged were multiple motor homes/trailers that were on the property that were damaged.
Crew 12 (out of Byron) also responded to assist with fire breaks and manage the vegetation while the firefighters were able to battle the fire according to Daniel.
Other recent fires:
- April 30 – Firefighters Battle 2-Alarm Fire at Commercial Building in Concord
- March 10 – Contra Costa Firefighters Battle Vacant Warehouse Fire in Antioch
- Jan 13 – Two Rescued During 2-Alarm Fire in Walnut Creek
CONFIRE Hosts Pre-Season Wildfire Preparedness Town Hall Meetings
Please join us for multiple fire safety Town Halls focusing on the unique concerns of Contra Costa County residents.
These in-person events, hosted by Contra Costa Fire, will feature fire service leaders giving a presentation on, “How You Can Be Wildfire Ready!”
In addition to allowing ample time for your questions, we’ll address protecting your home, family, and neighbors from wildfire danger.
- Tuesday, May 7: 500 St. Mary’s Rd, Lafayette @ 7 pm
- Wednesday, May 8: 4005 Port Chicago Hwy, Concord @ 7 pm
- Saturday, May 11: 3700 Pinole Valley Rd, Pinole 10 am
*Open House after the presentation- celebrating the one year anniversary of the Contract for Service between Contra Costa Fire and the City of Pinole - Wednesday, May 29: 193 Griffith Ln, Brentwood @ 7 pm
- Thursday, May 30: 1025 Escobar St, Martinez @ 7 pm
Some of the topics covered:
- Preventing: It takes a community approach to prevent wildfires; learn how you can make a difference.
- Planning: Planning for evacuation, signing up for Community Warning System alerts, using the new Zonehaven digital evacuation tool, and steps to take during and after a fire emergency.
- Preparing: Learn about weed abatement deadlines, creating defensible space around your home, and the importance of having an emergency Go Bag ready.
- Responding: Learn about our public safety resources that will be responding to wildfires within Contra Costa County.
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