A firefighter works on extinguishing a 3-acre vegetation fire started by illegal fireworks on Holub Lane, in Antioch, Calif., on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. Contra Costa County Fire responded to almost 60 fires, 50 of those fires were suspected to have been started by illegal fireworks. One victim was reported to have seriously injured his hand while handling fireworks. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group)
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY — The Contra Costa County Fire Protection District said it responded to 50 fires that were suspected to be caused by fireworks on the night of the Fourth of July.
Con Fire said in a tweet Tuesday morning that it was using extra staff in anticipation of illegal firework use throughout the county. In a tweet just after midnight on Wednesday morning, the department said it responded to 58 fires throughout the night, with 50 suspected to be caused by fireworks.
Con Fire implemented its limited response plan to ensure resource availability for anticipated high fireworks fire volume. All told, we responded to 58 fires, 50 suspected of fireworks cause. Additionally, at least one serious injury was caused by fireworks. #confire4th pic.twitter.com/JSdwpgfcnI
— Con Fire PIO (@ContraCostaFire) July 5, 2023
In one such instance, a two-story house on the 1500-block of Fieldcrest Drive in Pleasant Hill went up in flames after neighbors reported an explosion followed by fire at the home. On Holoub Lane in Antioch, a three-acre fire in a grassy field was extinguished, according to Con Fire.
1 acre exterior fire on Holub Lane in Antioch is extinguished from the quick actions of Engine 83 and Engine 95. pic.twitter.com/9fHxv1euDq
— Con Fire PIO (@ContraCostaFire) July 5, 2023
Con Fire said there were numerous medical responses needed throughout the night, including one to a “serious injury” to a victim’s hand resulting from firework use. No further updates on the victim’s condition were provided.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Originally published at Austin Turner