July 1, 2026, marks exactly four years since the historic annexation of the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District (ECCFPD) into the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (CCCFPD). What began as a monumental administrative shift has completely transformed emergency response and safety across East County.
Before the 2022 merger, East County residents frequently faced severe service deficits, with critical resource shortages and response times that could sometimes stretch up to 20 minutes. Over the last four years, the unified district has delivered on its promise to bring stability and elite care to the region’s 128,000 residents by:
- Slashing Response Times: Integrating the districts streamlined countywide resource coordination, getting personnel to the scene faster.
- Enhanced Front-Line Staffing: Introduction of dedicated truck company operations and guaranteed Advanced Life Support (ALS) staffing, ensuring a certified paramedic is assigned to every front-line fire apparatus
- Expanding Infrastructure: Vital Measure X county funding has allowed for the opening and staffing of essential neighborhood stations, including Station 95 in Oakley, and additional modernizations have also been made possible.
- Advanced Fire & Rescue Capabilities: Deployment of a seasonal aerial firefighting helicopter based at the Byron Wildland Fire Center, alongside a specialized marine firefighting and rescue boat program.
Community & Prevention Focus: Access to dedicated public education personnel to foster local safety and preparedness.
The Historic Merger – July 1, 2022
The East Contra Costa Fire Protection District (ECCFPD) is officially annexed by Con Fire. This monumental change creates a unified 557-square-mile jurisdiction, bringing streamlined fire and emergency medical services to more than 770,000 residents across 12 cities and 11 unincorporated areas.
Paramedic Care & Brentwood Expansion – April 2023
ALS capabilities are officially fully expanded district-wide, ensuring critical paramedic coverage and advanced medical response on every call. At the same time, Fire Station 92 in Brentwood more than doubles its firefighting resources with the addition of a new ladder Truck 92 and a fully operational four-firefighter crew for the new Engine 90.
Antioch Fleet Reinforcements – June 2024
Fire Station 81 in Antioch receives a significant resource boost. A new ladder truck and a dedicated three-person crew are officially welcomed and pushed into active service during a traditional fire service ceremony.
Station 94 Construction Underway – Current (2026)
Following a ground-breaking in late 2025, active construction is well underway on the brand-new, state-of-the-art Fire Station 94 in downtown Brentwood. Slated for completion at the end of 2026, this building will restore vital downtown fire protection and localized paramedic services to Brentwood’s highest-density area of need while also increasing response capabilities for the far-east unincorporated communities of Bethel Island, Byron, Knightsen, and Discovery Bay.
Station 90 Design & Development – Upcoming/Future
Plans are actively moving forward for the upcoming Fire Station 90, located at Lone Tree Way and Windy Springs Lane in Brentwood. Designed as a large, two-crew “battalion headquarters” on a 5-acre site, this future facility will house a ladder truck and full paramedic services to significantly slash response times across the district.
Four years in, the annexation stands as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when local leaders and communities collaborate. Today, our urban and rural zones are more unified, our firefighters are better supported, and East County is undeniably a safer place to live.
Supervisor Diane Burgis
RESOURCES:
- Contra Costa County Fire Protection District website
- History of Contra Costa Fire website
- The Press “East Annexation” article (July 1, 2022)
- Update: Fire Station 94, Brentwood site, (Contra Costa County)
- District 3 Newsletter Issue, “Rejuvenating Communities” Article (September 2025)
