Contra Costa County Fire Protection District and the United Professional Firefighters Association of Contra Costa County Local 1230 are partnering to collect new, unwrapped toys for children in our communities!
Celebrate the season with Santa at one of his four stops across the county! Donate a toy, enjoy cookies and cocoa, and meet your local firefighters!
Fire Station 10- 2955 Treat Blvd., Concord Friday, December 19, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Fire Station 82- 196 Bluerock Drive, Antioch Saturday, December 20, 10:00 AM – Noon
Fire Station 92- 201 John Muir Parkway, Brentwood Saturday, December 20, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Fire Station 76- 1680 Refugio Valley Road, Hercules Sunday, December 21, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
For more information about Con Fire visit www.cccfpd.org.
This morning, Tuesday, November 25, 2025, Walnut Creek Police Detectives, in coordination with the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, served a search warrant at a residence in the 1600 block of Lipton Street in Antioch as part of an ongoing investigation.
One individual was arrested on suspicion of possession of child pornography.
During the search, detectives discovered suspected illegal fireworks. The WCPD Bomb Squad was requested to respond for safe collection and assessment. Upon arrival, bomb technicians identified materials requiring further evaluation, prompting a response from the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District’s Hazardous Materials (Hazmat) team.
Antioch Police posted a warning on social media with the message, “Avoid the area of Lipton Street at Trembath Lane due to an active hazmat response. Earlier this morning, a neighboring agency investigating in the area located items of concern. Out of an abundance of caution, the bomb squad was notified, and they are currently on scene. At this time, we do not believe there is any threat to the public.”
Both the WCPD Bomb Squad and CFD Hazmat have since cleared the scene. There is no ongoing threat to public safety. No further details are being released at this time due to the active nature of the investigation.
As part of fuels reduction work for fire suppression a tree is removed then burned in a low-emission Tigercat 6050 carbonator machine, resulting in biochar used to enrich soil in the East Bay parks. Photos: EBRPD
Invested $12.5 million in Park District, state and federal funds
By Dave Mason, Public Information Supervisor, Public Affairs, East Bay Regional Park District
The East Bay Regional Park District is pleased to announce the completion of the Climate Change Impacts Wildland Hazardous Fuels Reduction Project at Anthony Chabot Regional Park. For the past three years, the Park District has been working to thin and remove hazardous trees and brush on 667 acres at Anthony Chabot to reduce fire intensity and help prevent catastrophic wildfires. (See related article)
This groundbreaking effort, the first of its kind in California, included large-scale eucalyptus removal and the use of a climate-friendly carbonizer to dispose of debris. The carbonizer produces low emissions and creates biochar, which has been used throughout the Park District to improve soil health and water retention.
In fall 2020, Park District staff noticed an increase in dead and dying trees compared with past years. The Park District began assessing die-off districtwide and found that it affected several parks. In some areas, half of the trees were either dead or showing signs they would die within a year. The condition was caused by extreme drought and climate change.
Fuels reduction efforts in the East Bay parks. Photos: EBRPD
“Sudden tree die-off was an emergency for the Park District,” said Park District Assistant Fire Chief Khari Helae. “We immediately saw the need to ramp up fuels reduction to mitigate the threat of potential wildfires. We can’t prevent all ignitions, but we can lower the intensity of fires by reducing fire fuels.”
“The Anthony Chabot project tackled mostly dead and dying eucalyptus, a notoriously flammable and difficult-to-handle tree. Thinning and removing eucalyptus is essential to slowing wildfires and giving firefighters time to stop them before they become out of control. Dead standing trees burn hotter and faster and can cast embers long distances, igniting new, potentially dangerous fires,” Helae added.
The 667-acre project began in 2022 with a pilot project on 80 acres near the former shooting range in Anthony Chabot Regional Park, using the climate-friendly carbonizer for biomass removal. The pilot project assessed the feasibility of using a carbonizer to remove biomass. With additional permitting, the project expanded to 445 acres and then 667 acres.
Funding sources
The project was funded through a combination of federal and state funds. The project received $7.5 million in state funding secured by former state Sen. Nancy Skinner (now serving as California Energy Commissioner) and former state Sen. Bob Wieckowski, $1.5 million in federal funding secured by U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), $1 million in grant funding from the California Coastal Conservancy, and $2.5 million from the Park District.
“We thank our federal and state partners for their leadership, support, and funding for wildfire fuels reduction work in the East Bay,” said Park District General Manager Sabrina Landreth. “Fuels reduction work helps reduce wildfire risks and is critical to protecting the community and natural resources.”
“The Park District has a deep understanding of the dangers and destruction wildfires can bring after experiencing the 1991 Oakland Hills Firestorm, which claimed 25 lives and destroyed 3,469 homes,” Landreth added.
Ongoing Wildfire Protection Efforts
Hazardous fuels reduction efforts continue districtwide, with large projects planned or underway at Tilden, Claremont Canyon, and Anthony Chabot Regional Parks, as well as Leona Canyon Open Space Regional Preserve. A 16-person fuels crew works year-round on vegetation management projects, along with goat, sheep, and cattle grazing covering 86,800 acres annually.
The Park District’s wildfire protection work includes prioritizing vegetation management, operating a professionally trained full-time and on-call department, and maintaining specialized wildland firefighting equipment, which includes two helicopters capable of dropping water on wildfires.
The East Bay Regional Park District is the largest regional park system in the nation, comprising 73 parks, 55 miles of shoreline, and over 1,330 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and environmental education. The Park District receives an estimated 30 million visits annually throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Helicopters were used to help extinguish the flames from the fire as black smoke could be seen east of the Antioch BART Station on Tuesday, July 15, 2025. Video screenshots and photo by Allen D. Payton
10 acres burned
By Allen D. Payton
According to the Contra Costa Fire Protection District (Con Fire), on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, just after 4:25 p.m., Contra Costa Fire responded to multiple reports of smoke and flames near Oakley Road and Willow Avenue in Antioch. The first arriving crews encountered a fast-moving fire with the potential to reach 60 acres, prompting a second alarm response.
Black smoke billowed into the sky across the property east of the Antioch BART Station and Hwy 4 and north of the Union Pacific Railroad tracks.
The fire extended into a storage area belonging to a construction company on land northeast of the Antioch BART Station that contained plastic pipe, wood railroad ties, and miscellaneous debris. Due to wind-driven conditions, a third alarm was called, and a Community Warning System Public Health Advisory was issued for smoke in the area.
The fire was contained at approximately 10 acres, with no damage to structures or homes.
One person was located in the brush area of the fire and was evaluated and released at the scene. No other injuries were reported.
The cause of the fire was determined to be welding-related.
According to Con Fire PIO Lauren Ono the fire started as a vegetation fire with the first call at 4:26 PM. It then consumed the construction material causing the smoke to turn black. The fire also spread to the land between the railroad tracks and Highway 4.
At least two helicopters could be seen dropping water to douse the flames.
Crews battled the flames on the ground and from the air, including in the area east of the Antioch BART Maintenance Facility.
The Public Health Advisory Committee was issued by Contra Costa Community Warning System she shared. Antioch Police announced on their Facebook page that the advisory was for residents in Oakley, Brentwood, Byron and Discovery Bay as the smoke was blown in those directions.
No one was transported to the hospital, Ono added.
Calls to the company that owns the property for a statement and what their plans are to clear out the underbrush were unsuccessful prior to publication time. Please check back later for any updates.
See video of the fire and efforts to extinguish the flames here and here.
L.A. Chargers running back Najee Harris’ eye was injured in a July 4th fireworks explosion in Antioch. Photo & logo source: L.A. Chargers
1 of 7 injured; ESPN posts on X, CBS now reporting his agent says Harris “is fully expected to be ready for the upcoming NFL season”
By Allen D. Payton
Rumors have been circulating online all week that former Antioch High football standout Najee Harris sustained an injury to his eye during the previously reported July 4th fireworks explosion in Antioch. No one has confirmed the information until today, Thursday, July 10, when, according to CBS News, his agent, Doug Hendrickson of Wasserman Media Group in Larkspur.
Efforts to confirm the information with Antioch Police and Contra Costa Fire Protection District (Con Fire) personnel have been unsuccessful. The only thing they have shared is that seven people were injured, including four were transported to local hospitals, one in critical condition, two others drove themselves and one refused medical transport.
The explosion occurred in the 2200 block of Spanos Street in Antioch. When police officers arrived on the scene, they discovered the aftermath of an explosion caused by fireworks.
According to Antioch Police Lt. Bill Whitaker, one man lost fingers, was burned, and was still in critical condition on Sunday. But no names of the victims have been released as it’s still an active investigation.
Asked if she had any names of those who set off the fireworks Con Fire PIO Lauren Ono reiterated on Tuesday, “The investigation is still ongoing and that’s part of it.”
Additional efforts to reach Brock Anderson in media relations with the L.A. Chargers, for whom the 27-year-old Harris is now a running back on a one-year, $9.5 million contract, were also unsuccessful prior to publication time.
However, as of 3:58 PM on Thursday, July 10th, ESPN is reporting on X/Twitter, “Breaking: Chargers RB Najee Harris sustained a superficial eye injury during a 4th of July fireworks mishap, sources tell @AdamSchefter. He is fully expected to be ready for the upcoming NFL season.” According to his profile Schefter is an “ESPN Senior NFL Insider. Host of the Adam Schefter Podcast http://Instagram.com/AdamSchefter and considered a reliable source.”
Further, CBS is reporting that “Harris sustained an eye injury, according to his agent.” The CBS report reads, “‘Najee Harris was present at a 4th of July event where a fireworks mishap resulted in injuries to several attendees,’ Hendrickson’s statement reads, via NFL Media. ‘Najee sustained a superficial eye injury during the incident, but is fully expected to be ready for the upcoming NFL season.’”
Efforts to reach Hendrickson for a direct comment on the incident were unsuccessful prior to publication time.
Please check back later for any updates to this report.
4:50 P.M. 7/5/25 UPDATE: 7 injured, 4 transported to local hospitals, 1 in critical condition, 2 others drove themselves, 1 refused medical transport
7/7/25 UPDATE: Man lost fingers, was burned, still in critical condition Sunday
By Acting Lt. Whitaker #6155, Antioch Police Department Investigations Bureau
On July 5, at approximately 12:18 a.m., the Antioch Police Department dispatch center received multiple calls reporting an explosion on the 2200 block of Spanos Street. When officers arrived on the scene, they discovered the aftermath of an explosion caused by fireworks.
Antioch PD officers, ConFire, and AMR provided medical aid and triaged the patients. Several victims had already left the scene before the first responders’ arrival and were treated at local hospitals. Antioch PD is working to find and speak with all individuals involved regarding this incident.
4:50 P.M. UPDATE: Whitaker later shared, “A total of seven were injured, four of them were transported from the scene, one refused medical transport. Two self-transported to local hospitals. As of 4:00 AM one man was in critical condition. An update on his condition is expected from detectives, shortly.”
This is an unfortunate accident, and our thoughts are with the family and all those affected during this difficult time. We ask for patience and privacy for the families as the investigation continues.
The Antioch Police Department’s Investigations Bureau, consisting of Crime Scene Investigators and detectives with the Violent Crimes Unit responded to take over the investigation. This is an active investigation, and no further information will be released at this time.
Any tips or other information can be directed to Antioch Police Detective Shaffer at (925) 481-8604 or by email at cshaffer@antiochca.gov.
According to PulsePoint as of 10:57 PM July 4th Con Fire had responded to 14 fires in Antioch with one still active at the time Friday night.
7/7/25 UPDATE: According to Lt. Whitaker, the man lost fingers, was burned, and still in critical condition on Sunday. But no names of the victims have been released as it’s still an active investigation..
Fire fuels reduction efforts in the East Bay parks. Photos: EBRPD
$8.3 million in grants; $2.6 million in district matching funds
By Dave Mason, Public Information Supervisor, Public Affairs, East Bay Regional Park District
The East Bay Regional Park District is set to spend $10.9 million over the next three years to reduce fire fuels at Anthony Chabot, Tilden, and Wildcat Canyon Regional Parks, Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve, and Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline. The funding will help reduce wildfire risks by removing dead and dying trees and hazardous vegetation on over 600 acres. Dead trees burn hotter and faster and can cast embers long distances, igniting new fires.
These efforts are in addition to ongoing fuels reduction work districtwide, including large-scale projects at Anthony Chabot Regional Park (544 acres) and Tilden Regional Park (39 acres), a 16-person year-round fuels reduction crew, and annual goat, sheep, and cattle grazing. In 2024, the Park District’s fuels reduction crew removed hazardous fire fuels on 104 acres in 11 parks. Additionally, more than 86,800 acres of parkland are grazed annually by cattle, sheep, or goats.
“The grant funding enhances our ability to protect the public and safeguard our natural landscapes,” said Park District Interim Fire Chief Khari Helae. “Securing the funding is a testament to the Park District’s efforts—from planning to permitting—to manage the detailed grant application process and its proven ability to carry out large-scale fuels reduction projects in support of the community.”
2025 Grant Funding Allocations Map. Source: EBRPD
The $10.9 million for fuels reduction projects includes $8.3 million in grants, with $6.1 million coming from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), $2.1 million from the California State Coastal Conservancy, and $100,000 from the U.S. Forest Service. FEMA funding was obtained in partnership with U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla, who secured $1.5 million in the 2023 budget, and U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell, who secured $1.4 million in the 2024 budget.
An additional $2.6 million comes from required Park District matching funds, which include general funds and voter-approved local revenue measures like Measure FF. These local revenue measures enhance the Park District’s ability to qualify for and secure grant funding by providing required matching contributions.
Fire fuels reduction source of funds. EBRPD
“These projects are vital to reducing wildfire risks in the East Bay,” said Park District General Manager Sabrina Landreth. “We thank FEMA, Sen. Alex Padilla, Rep. Eric Swalwell, the California State Coastal Conservancy, the U.S. Forest Service, and Park District voters for their support and for prioritizing wildfire mitigation in the East Bay.”
For large scale vegetation management projects, the Park District utilizes a climate-friendly carbonizer to dispose of vegetation. The carbonizer burns organic matter at 1,300 degrees Fahrenheit with little oxygen, which produces very low emissions—especially compared to conventional disposal methods such as open pile burning or transporting debris long distances in diesel trucks. The resulting biochar is being used throughout the Park District to enhance soil health, improve water retention, and increase crop productivity, including at the District’s Ardenwood Historic Farm in Fremont.
Photo: EBRPD
The Park District Board of Directors will consider authorizing $1,883,261 in matching funds from Measure FF at their upcoming Board Meeting on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. Measure FF was passed in 2018 by voters in the communities of Alameda, Albany, Berkeley, El Cerrito, El Sobrante, Emeryville, Kensington, Oakland, Piedmont, Richmond, and San Pablo to provide funding to reduce fire risks, improve public access, and restore natural habitat. The Board of Directors previously authorized $500,016 in matching funds in March 2023.
The East Bay Regional Park District is the largest regional park system in the nation, comprising 73 parks, 55 miles of shoreline, and over 1,330 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and environmental education. The Park District receives an estimated 30 million visits annually throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Antioch Police and Con Fire Hazardous Materials personnel were on site and inside the home investigating the incident on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025. Photos by Allen D. Payton
Has history of arrests dating to 2017 and twice last year, including for child endangerment and cruelty to a child
“After conducting several tests, Con Fire HAZMAT determined the home to be uninhabitable.”
By Allen D. Payton
Four children were found unconscious in an Antioch home on Thursday, February 20, 2025, after a call came in from a passerby at 4:51 p.m. who stopped to check on them, and their mother was later arrested for child abuse. The children, ages 2, 2, 5 and 8, have been placed in the custody of Child and Family Services.
“We got a call from someone driving by who stopped and checked on the kids,” said Antioch Police Lt. Njoroge while at the scene. “When we got here, we checked on the welfare of the children. We’ve contacted the parents.”
Contra Costa Fire Protection District Battalion Chief Bob Atlas said, “We got the call about 5:15 pm that there were four children unconscious in the home. We arrived on scene, Antioch PD retrieved all the children and brought them outside. Con Fire provided medical care and transported all four children to area hospitals for evaluation. No adults were in the home.”
“We don’t know what it was. But we know a lot of things it wasn’t,” he explained. “When it’s a mystery like this we start by ruling out what it isn’t.”
At about 6:30 p.m. Con Fire placed a blower outside the home facing the open front door. “We are currently blowing out the environment for anything that could be potentially harmful,” Atlas added.
A blower was placed outside the open front door of the home on Spruce Way off Eagleridge Drive.
The following press release with additional details about the incident was issued Friday afternoon:
According to. Lt. Njoroge of the Field Services Division, “just before 5:00 p.m., officers responded to a welfare check regarding a 2-year-old child who was found alone and outside a home on the 2100 block of Spruce Way by a passerby. Upon arrival, officers discovered the front door of the residence was unsecured. Officers knocked and announced themselves, however nobody responded.
To ensure the child’s safety, officers entered the home and found three additional young children, with no adults present. The children appeared to require medical attention, and Con Fire, along with paramedics, was requested to the scene. All four children were transported to nearby hospitals for further evaluation.
UPDATE: To clarify matters, Lt. Njoroge later said, “Three of the four children were unconscious. The two-year-old seen outside was back in the house by the time officers arrived. But I can’t say which of the four was not unconscious.”
The children’s mother, 36-year-old Shante Alberty, later arrived at the residence and was placed under arrest on child abuse-related charges. She was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility.
After conducting several tests, Con Fire HAZMAT determined the home to be uninhabitable. All four children were medically cleared and placed into the custody of Child and Family Services (CFS).
Antioch Police and Con Fire personnel discuss the incident.
This information was made available by the Field Services Bureau. Any further inquiries into the status of this case should be done via the Media Access Telephone Line 925-779-6874. Any further information or additional press releases will be provided by the Investigations Bureau.”
According to localcrimenews.com, Alberty has a history of arrests dating back to 2017 including twice last year by Antioch PD and San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Department for crimes including battery on a spouse, cohabitant or former spouse, and on Sept. 5, 2024, for possession of a narcotic controlled substance, child endangerment and cruelty to a child by inflicting injury.
According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, she is Black. Also, according to the Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, eight-inch tall, 175 lb. Alberty was born on March 22, 1988, and is being held on $425,000 bail. She’s being held in the West County Detention Facility.
See exclusive Antioch Herald video of the scene, here.
