Two Alarm Fire Threatens Homes in Antioch
Firefighters douse the flames of the fire on Golf Course Road on Sunday, September 9, 2012
By Allen Payton, Publisher
A brush fire in open space on Golf Course Road in Southeast Antioch on Sunday afternoon, September 9, 2012 threatened adjacent homes, but firefighters were able to douse the blaze before any burned.
The home at the corner of Mesa Ridge Drive and Golf Course Road, and homes at the end of the cul-de-sac on Vesteny Court were closest to the flames that shot as high as 30 feet in the air, according to witnesses, burning bushes and trees in the area near an unmarked monument sign.
Three trucks from the Contra Costa Fire Department responded to the scene.
Fire burns bushes along Golf Course Road 9-9-12
Witnesses watch the fire on Golf Course Road on 9-9-12, photo by Garrett Holloman
Firefighters spray fire retardant on the areas where the fire burned bushes and trees on Golf Course Road 9-9-12. photo by Brandon Payton
The fire on Golf Course Road was under control in about 30 minutes 9-9-12. photo by Brandon Payton
the attachments to this post:
The fire was under control in about 30 minutes B Payton
Firefighters spray fire retardant on the areas where the fire burned bushes and trees. B Payton
Witnesses watch fire on Golf Course Road 9-9-12
Firefighters douse the flames of the fire 9-9-12
Fire burns bushes along Golf Course Road 9-9-12
The firemen did a fantastic job! I appreciated the quick response and the skill that each fireman exhibited.
I hope this incident will create more awareness of the problems in neighborhoods throughout Antioch. What caused this fire?
The very area affected was addressed by the firefighters approximately a year ago. One of the neighbors abutting the shrubbed area on the west side of the area reported a fire. At that time, the department had one firetruck out and put out a fire. I live close and witnessed their work and learned of all the trash that was behind the concrete wall which was previously used as the nameplate for the neighborhood housing area. It had since been painted over due to graffiti. A special clean-up team was alerted to come by and clean up the trash. Our neighbors and myself have been checking it out from time to time.
Another incident occurred in the very same spot a few months ago. I heard voices coming from the exact area and made a report call to Antioch police. I’m a watch captain for my block. Two officers in two cars arrived. I am now in my house observing from the window. What the officers brought out was about 6-10 youngsters of junior highschool age. I then observed the group walking down the hill on Golf Course together. At this time I went to the officers to ask about the situation. He indicated that he talked with them and sent them on their way. I asked if names, addresses and phone numbers had been taken of each to alert their parents. He replied that he didn’t have time for this, having x amount of call yet to answer.
I noticed that the two officers had time to talk with each other further. I felt at the time that the biggest deterrent for the activity of this youth would have been to inform their parents. They weren’t gang-like in dress. They did appear to be neighbohood kids. Early notice to their parents may have been a positive action to take. It couldn’t have taken too much time to get the young boy’s information. I wondered what action would have been taken if they were of a different race than white?
The fire that threatened out neighborhood and could have easily ignited homes across the street as well, is an example of children that are not being closely monitored by parents who may be working and trusting their children are being truthful.
The idea of “community” and “village” is something that I hope will be a mantra for Antioch in all its areas. Parents can and should depend on good neighbors to keep a watchful eye out on children’s behavior,to be there in case of an emergency. If neighbors can build “trust” amongst each other, the parenting of children, tho the responsibility of the parents of that child, can assist parents who want it. Get to know your neighbors. Share values and expectations. Seek support of one another.