The Contra Costa County Fire Protection District is battling a 290 acre vegetation fire Wednesday in the City of Antioch. The fire was 80% contained Thursday morning.
The fire broke out just after 7:00 pm Wednesday in the area of Somersville Road and James Donlon Blvd when crews observed a large column of smoke while responding. They arrived to a fire estimated to be 5 acres in size.
The fire continued to grow in size
- 7:30 pm – 30 acres
- 7:50 pm – 150 acres
- 8:30 pm – 200 acres
- 9:19 pm – 215 acres (contained)
Image provided by CONFIRE
By 8:30 pm, evacuations warning was issued:
However, by 9:45 pm, evacuation warning was lifted.
As of 10:10 pm, CONFIRE says crews are still conducting a fire operation with the fire is holding within its footprint.
11:05 pm UPDATE: Forward progress officially stopped. Contra Costa County Fire and CALFIRE firefighters will remain on scene through the night and into tomorrow. Additional crews will rotate in the morning for extended mop up. (11:05 pm)
7:00 am Thursday update:
- 80% Contained
- 290 Acres
- 1 County: Contra Costa
Air District issues air quality advisory for smoke from Somersville brush fire for Wednesday evening
SAN FRANCISCO – The Bay Area Air District is issuing an air quality advisory due to smoke from the Somersville brush fire in Antioch.
Smoke from this brush fire is expected to impact air quality in eastern Contra Costa County on Wednesday evening. Conditions can change rapidly and the amount and location of smoke at ground level is hard to predict. The public can check for real-time smoke pollution levels in their local area with the U.S. EPA’s Fire and Smoke Map. The Air District will continue to monitor conditions to see if impacts will continue on Thursday.
Smoky, hazy skies may be visible, the smell of smoke is possible and air quality may become unhealthy as of Wednesday evening.
Wildfire smoke contains fine particulate matter and other harmful pollutants. Exposure to wildfire smoke is unhealthy, even for short periods of time. It is important that Bay Area residents protect their health by avoiding exposure. If possible, and temperatures allow stay inside with windows and doors closed until smoke levels subside.
Residents can also reduce their exposure to smoke by setting their car vent systems to re- circulate to prevent outside air from moving inside. The use of indoor air filtration or going to a Clean Air Center or other location with filtered air, such as a library or mall, can also help reduce smoke exposure. Smoke can irritate the eyes and airways, causing coughing, a scratchy throat and irritated
sinuses. Elevated particulate matter in the air can trigger wheezing in those who suffer from asthma, emphysema or COPD. Elderly persons, children and individuals with respiratory illnesses are particularly susceptible to elevated air pollution levels and should take extra precautions to avoid exposure.
The Air District will be closely monitoring air quality throughout the region for smoke impacts. Pollutant levels are not expected to exceed the national 24-hour health standard and therefore, no Spare the Air Alert is in effect. Check the U.S. EPA’s Fire and Smoke Map to see if smoke is affecting your area at: https://fire.airnow.gov/ .
Recent Fires
- June 18 – Firefighters Battle 5 Acre Vegetation Fire in Pittsburg
- May 21 – Updated: Firefighters Battle 3 Alarm Junkyard Fire in Oakley
- May 18 – Firefighters Battle 50 Acre Vegetation Fire in Brentwood
- May 9 – Firefighters Limit Brentwood Vegetation Fire to 10-Acres
- May 7 – Brentwood Planning Commission Denies Downtown Fire Station
- May 1 – Firefighters Battle 5 Acre Vegetation Fire in Brentwood
Weed Abatement Deadlines Announced in Contra Costa County
2025 Weed Abatement Deadlines:
- EAST COUNTY, May 12, 2025– Antioch, Bay Point, Bethel Island, Brentwood, Byron, the Township of Discovery Bay, Knightsen, Marsh Creek, Morgan Territory, Oakley, Pittsburg
- CENTRAL COUNTY, June 1, 2025– Clayton, Clyde, Concord, Lafayette, Martinez, Pacheco, Pleasant Hill, Rossmoor, Walnut Creek
- WEST COUNTY, June 1, 2025- East Richmond Heights, El Sobrante, North Richmond, San Pablo, unincorporated Pinole, Tara Hills, Montalvin Manor
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