Illegal fireworks caused Pittsburg grass fire that nearly burned homes

PITTSBURG — Unlawful fireworks prompted a grass hearth that got here near burning about 100 houses in Pittsburg final week, officers with the Contra Costa Fireplace Safety District stated Wednesday.

The blaze on June 17 burned 122 acres and compelled roughly 2,200 residents to evacuate within the space. No one was injured, and no homes have been broken.

It additionally served as a reminder of the hazards looming with the Fourth of July vacation approaching and the sounds of fireworks growing.

“It clearly demonstrates the hazard to you, your neighbor, your neighborhood if you happen to use (fireworks),” ConFire Assistant Chief and Fireplace Marshal Chris Bachman stated. “So please don’t use fireworks this yr. They pose an excessive hazard.”

All fireworks, together with Protected-and-Sane ones, are unlawful in Contra Costa County. Across the Bay Space, Protected-and-Sane ones are authorized solely in Dublin, Gilroy, Newark, Pacifica, Rohnert Park, San Bruno and Union Metropolis.

Investigators decided the hearth originated in open house, about 200 yards south of Jacqueline Drive, as a result of folks have been utilizing fireworks, Bachman stated. It was first reported about 2 a.m.

“Through the investigation, we discovered remnants of the fireworks,” Bachman stated. “By way of burn patterns, we have been capable of decide the place it began. Many of the remnants have been closely broken. These remnants will likely be taken into proof as we proceed to seek for the individual or individuals who did this.”

Authorities didn’t determine or describe any suspects. Bachman stated investigators are following leads. Bachman stated confidently that he  thinks investigators will discover these accountable.

Bachman stated that the variety of fires brought on by fireworks “are down” from this time a yr in the past, however he didn’t provide particular numbers. He did say that the variety of vegetation and different exterior fires are up 20% in Contra Costa County. He additionally stated vegetation is burning “hotter and quicker.”

The fireplace final week burned to the northeast, northwest, and south, threatening houses on Jacqueline and Daffodil drives and Serrano Manner, Hill stated. It was fueled by sizzling and dry situations with 30 mph winds.

In some locations, it burned inside 25 yards of property strains.

Cal Fireplace crews additionally fought the blaze, whereas Contra Costa Sheriff’s Workplace deputies and Pittsburg police helped with evacuations. Contra Costa County’s new digital evacuation system despatched out messages ordering residents within the space of north of Jacqueline Drive, south of West Leland Highway, east of Bailey Highway and west of San Remo Technique to get out.

Many residents had evacuated earlier than authorities knocked on their doorways, hearth spokesman Steve Hill stated.

The quantity of defensible house created by folks within the neighborhood who reduce their weeds additionally helped to avoid wasting the houses, hearth officers stated.