Firefighters in Contra Costa County faced significant challenges on Monday as they battled two large brush fires—a powerful response was coordinated by CAL FIRE crews in response to the incidents. The first, known as the Rodeo Fire, ignited shortly after noon near Clayes Court and Stirling Drive in Rodeo and spread over an area of at least 62 acres, close to Highway 4 and the Phillips 66 refinery.
Thankfully, firefighters were able to secure the area and reported that structures were no longer threatened. A collaborative effort involving over 30 fire companies, dozers, and hand crews included three helicopters and multiple air tankers dropping both water and pink fire retardant, greatly assisting in containment efforts. Battalion Chief Jose Castrejon from the El Cerrito Fire Department praised the combined efforts that led to the successful containment of the blaze.
Residents of Rodeo experienced urgent evacuation notifications as firefighters rushed to protect their homes. One resident, Crystal Damato-Pineda, expressed the distress of receiving the evacuation alert while highlighting the immediate concern for their pets in the household. Thankfully, the fire did not result in any injuries or damage to properties, although it prompted many residents to reconsider their evacuation plans for future emergencies.
Simultaneously, a second fire near Alamo, located about 30 miles away, burned approximately 5 acres. Quick action from air support had helped to extinguish this fire as well, and an evacuation warning was briefly issued for those in the vicinity of Blackhawk Road and Green Valley Trail. Fortunately, this warning was lifted later in the afternoon after no structures were harmed.
The causes of both fires are currently under investigation. This incident serves as an important reminder for residents in fire-prone areas to develop and familiarize themselves with evacuation plans to ensure safety in emergencies.
Given the coordinated response and successful handling of the situation, there lies a sense of hope that community preparedness can mitigate risks during fire season.