Archive for the ‘Fire’ Category

Police investigate suspicious death of burned body found Antioch

Sunday, March 17th, 2024

By Antioch Police Department Investigations Bureau

On March 16, 2024, at approximately 6:51 PM, Antioch police officers responded to the rear of the 2900 block of Melon Court at the request of Con Fire for a reported fire coming from the area.

When officers arrived, they located a person deceased who had been severely burned. The cause of death is unknown. The Antioch Police Department’s Investigations Bureau, consisting of Crime Scene Investigators and detectives with the Violent Crimes Unit took over the investigation.

The cause of death is pending an autopsy from the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Coroner’s Office. This is an active investigation, and no further information will be released.

Additional inquiries or information can be directed to Antioch Police Detective Palma at (925) 779-6876 or by emailing kpalma@antiochca.gov.

TEST your smoke alarms as you TURN your clocks forward this weekend

Friday, March 8th, 2024

En Español abajo

Working smoke alarms reduce risk of home fire deaths in half

Daylight saving time begins on March 10 and the American Red Cross encourages everyone to test their smoke alarms as theyturn their clocks forward to make sure the devices are working.

“Working smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a home fire in half as you only have about two minutes to get out,” said Hanna Malak, Regional Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Northern California Coastal Region. “Every second counts when there’s a home fire and the sooner an alarm alerts you to a fire, the sooner you can get to a safer place. When you turn your clocks forward this weekend, test your smoke alarms too to help prevent a tragedy in your home.”

Since July 1, 2023, local Red Cross volunteers responded to help 2,645 people in the Northern California Coastal Region affected by 472 home fire events, which account for most of the about 65,000 disasters that the Red Cross responds to annually across the country.

SMOKE ALARMS When turning your clocks forward this weekend, test your smoke alarms and replace the batteries if needed. Visit redcross.org/fire for more information, including an escape plan to create and practice with your family, or download the free Red Cross Emergency app by searching “American Red Cross” in app stores.

  • Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas.
  • Replace smoke alarms that are 10 years or older. Components such as sensors can become less sensitive over time. Follow your alarm’s manufacturer instructions.
  • Practice your two-minute home fire escape plan. Make sure everyone in your household can get out in less than two minutes — the amount of time you may have to escape a burning home before it’s too late.
  • Include at least two ways to get out of every room and select a meeting spot at a safe distance away from your home, such as your neighbor’s home or landmark like a specific tree in your front yard, where everyone can meet.

HOME FIRE CAMPAIGN SAVES LIVES Most of us don’t realize we have just two minutes to escape a home fire — which is the nation’s most frequent disaster. Since October 2014, the American Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, working with community partners, has saved at least 2,030 lives by meeting one-on-one with families in at-risk communities to share home fire safety information, help families create escape plans, and install free smoke alarms. If you cannot afford to purchase smoke alarms or are physically unable to install one, the Red Cross may be able to help. To request an appointment for a free smoke alarm installation or to get involved in an installation event, visit soundthealarm.org/nccr.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or follow us on social media. 

La Cruz Roja le pide que PRUEBE sus alarmas de humo mientras ADELANTA sus relojes este fin de semana

Las alarmas de humo en funcionamiento reducen a la mitad el riesgo de muertes por incendios domésticos

El horario de verano comienza el 10 de marzo y la Cruz Roja Americana alienta a todos a probar sus alarmas de humo mientras adelantan sus relojes para asegurarse que los dispositivos funcionen.

“Las alarmas de humo en funcionamiento reducen a la mitad el riesgo de morir en un incendio doméstico, ya que sólo se dispone de unos dos minutos para salir,” dijo Hanna Malak, CEO Regional de la Cruz Roja en la Región de la Costa Norte de California. “Cada segundo cuenta cuando hay un incendio doméstico y cuanto antes le avise una alarma de humo, antes podrá llegar a un lugar más seguro. Cuando adelante sus relojes este fin de semana, pruebe también sus alarmas de humo para ayudar a prevenir una tragedia en su hogar.”

Desde el 1 de Julio de 2023, los voluntarios locales de la Cruz Roja respondieron para ayudar a 2,645 personas en la Región de la Costa Norte de California, que fue afectada por 472 incendios domésticos, que representan la mayoría de los cerca de 65,000 desastres a los que la Cruz Roja responde anualmente en todo el país.

ALARMAS DE HUMO Cuando adelante los relojes este fin de semana, pruebe sus alarmas de humo y cambie las baterías si es necesario. Visite CruzRojaAmericana.org/incendios para más información, incluyendo un plan de escape para crear y practicar con su familia, o descargue la aplicación gratuita Emergencia de la Cruz Roja buscando “Cruz Roja Americana” en las tiendas de aplicaciones.

  • Instale alarmas de humo en todos los niveles de su casa, incluidos los dormitorios interiores y exteriores y las áreas para dormir.
  • Reemplace las alarmas de humo que tengan 10 años o más. Los componentes, como los sensores, pueden volverse menos sensibles con el tiempo. Siga las instrucciones del fabricante de la alarma.
  • Practique su plan de escape en caso de incendio doméstico de dos minutos. Asegúrese de que todos los miembros de su hogar puedan salir en menos de dos minutos, la cantidad de tiempo que puede tener para escapar de una casa en llamas antes de que sea demasiado tarde.
  • Incluya al menos dos formas de salir de cada habitación y seleccione un lugar de reunión a una distancia segura de su casa, como la casa de su vecino o un punto de referencia como un árbol específico en su patio delantero, donde todos puedan reunirse.

LA CAMPAÑA DE PREVENCIÓN DE INCENDIOS EN EL HOGAR SALVA VIDAS Desde octubre de 2014, la Campaña de Prevención de Incendios en el Hogar de la Cruz Roja, en colaboración con socios comunitarios, ha salvado al menos 2,030 vidas educando a las familias sobre la seguridad contra incendios, ayudándoles a crear planes de escape e instalando alarmas de humo gratuitas en zonas de alto riesgo de todo el país. Para obtener más información sobre la campaña y cómo puede participar, visite CruzRojaAmericana.org/incendiosdomesticos.

Sobre la Cruz Roja Americana:

La Cruz Roja Americana alberga, alimenta y ofrece alivio a las víctimas de desastres; suministra alrededor del 40% de la sangre en el país; enseña habilidades que salvan vidas; distribuye ayuda humanitaria internacional; y apoya a los veteranos, a los miembros de las fuerzas armadas y a sus familias. La Cruz Roja es una

organización sin fines de lucro que depende de los voluntarios y de la generosidad del público estadounidense para cumplir su misión. Para obtener más información, visite redcross.org o CruzRojaAmericana.org, o síganos en las redes sociales.

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Oakley man and his dog die in car after striking tree in Antioch

Tuesday, December 26th, 2023

By Lt. Rick Martin, Investigations Bureau, Antioch Police Department

On December 26, 2023, at approximately 2:45 a.m. Antioch Police Officers responded to Wilbur Avenue near the intersection of Apollo Court on a report of a vehicle on fire after having collided into a tree. Officers along with the Contra Costa County Fire Department arrived and were able to extinguish the fire, unfortunately the driver, a 28-year-old male from Oakley and his dog succumbed to their injuries and were pronounced deceased at the scene.

We are withholding the name of the decedent until proper family notifications have been made. It appears speed and alcohol were factors in this incident. No further information will be provided at this time.

Anyone with information is asked to call Lieutenant Rick Martin at (925) 779-6972 or the Antioch Police Department non-emergency line at (925) 778-2441.

Man dies on trail in Antioch following possible fight Friday morning

Friday, September 29th, 2023
Police investigate homicide on the Delta de Anza Trail in Antioch on Friday, Sept. 29, 2023. Screenshot of Contra Costa Emergency Spotlight video.

By Lt. Rick Martin, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau

10/2/23 UPDATE: Contra Costa County Deputy Coroner Wong identified the deceased as Jonathan Craig, a 43-year-old African American man out of Antioch who was listed as a transient.

At approximately 9:30 a.m. on September 29, 2023, Antioch Police dispatch was notified of a possible physical fight on the Delta de Anza Trail near the 4100 block of Null Drive. One of the subjects involved was reported to be unconscious. Antioch Police Officers along with Contra Costa County Fire Department arrived on scene and found a black male adult unresponsive. After life saving measures were performed, the male was pronounced deceased on scene. The unidentified Black male adult is believed to be in his mid-30’s to 40’s.

Antioch Police Detectives were called to the scene and the incident is being investigated as a homicide. No further information will be provided at this time.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Becerra at (925) 779-6937 or the Antioch Police Department non-emergency line at (925) 778-2441. You may also text-a-tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using the key word ANTIOCH.

Following domestic dispute, fire guts garage of Antioch home Tuesday night

Thursday, August 10th, 2023
A Con Fire Inspector and dog investigate damage from a fire in the garage of a home on Mt. Hamilton Drive in Antioch on Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2023. Photo by Art Ray, Bay News Video

Man threatens to kill his family, drives car into house, arrested at Bay Point BART Station

Suspect is being held on $300K bail, has history of arrests

By Allen D. Payton

A one alarm fire started in the garage of a home in the 1700 block of Mt. Hamilton Drive in Antioch Tuesday night, August 8, 203. The investigation determined it to be the result of arson

“We received the call at 10:40 p.m.” According to Contra Costa County Fire Protection District Assistant Chief & PIO Tracie Dutter stated.

On Wednesday, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (Con Fire) announced the arrest of 44-year-old Adil Abbas Aljanaby (born 9/23/78) for arson and threatening the life and safety of his family after a domestic dispute with his wife.

The responding firefighters worked quickly and were able to prevent the fire from spreading beyond the garage. After a thorough investigation, the fire was found to have originated in the garage. With the assistance of accelerant detection K-9 Baxter, Con Fire investigators determined the area of origin was inside a vehicle in the garage.

Upon further investigation, Con Fire Investigators learned approximately one hour prior to the fire, Aljanaby threatened to drive through the house, set the house on fire, and kill his family.

Antioch Police officers investigate damage from a fire in the garage of a home on Mt. Hamilton Drive in Antioch on Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2023. Photo by Art Ray, Bay Video News

On Wednesday, Aug. 9, investigators located a witness who saw the dispute unfold. The witness identified Aljanaby as driving into the garage door, then entering the garage. A fire was seen inside as he left.

At 10 p.m. Aljanaby was detained at the Bay Point Bart Station by Con Fire investigators. They observed damage to the front of Aljanaby’s vehicle consistent with the damage to the garage door. Aljanaby was arrested and charged with arson to an inhabited structure or property.

Aljanaby was transported to the Martinez Detention Facility. The Antioch Police Department has additional ongoing investigations and will be submitting further cases with additional charges.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the 6’5″, 220 lb. Aljanaby is being held on $300,000 bail. According to localcrimenews.com, he has a history of arrests dating to 2019 by Antioch PD, BART PD and Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office for DUI, disobeying a domestic relations order, and just last month for resisting arrest and contempt of court.

East Bay park district makes information about police, fire activity more accessible

Wednesday, August 2nd, 2023

Launches new system; sign up to receive updates

By Dave Mason, Public Information Supervisor, Public Affairs, East Bay Regional Park District

The East Bay Regional Park District has launched a new system to make information about police and fire activity more accessible to the public. The system also includes an interactive webpage with near real-time mapping of police and fire activity, including location, date and time, a general description, and outcome. The new system also allows the public to sign up for daily or weekly email updates with a summary of public safety activity and links to more information.

The new system is provided by Sun Ridge Systems, Inc. – Citizen RIMS and housed on Crimegraphics.com, which integrates with the Park District’s existing Public Safety Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) and Records Management System (RMS). The new system allows updates to be emailed out automatically rather than manually by public safety staff, increasing efficiency and allowing staff to focus on other important activities.

East Bay Regional Park District Public Safety map example. Source: crimegraphics.com

Most importantly, the new system increases public transparency by making disclosable public safety activity information more accessible. The system allows any member of the public to access near real-time public safety activity mapping information and sign up for daily or weekly email updates.

Access to daily or weekly updates is available via an easy one-time sign-up process. Email addresses are entered into Citizen RIMS / crimegraphics.com and will only be used to send email update to subscribers.

To learn more and sign up for these updates, visit www.ebparks.org/public-safety/activity.

User Notice:

Access to disclosable public safety activity information is provided as a public service from the East Bay Regional Park District and subject to applicable terms of use. To protect privacy, the Crimegraphics.com website does not provide information regarding juvenile offenders, or specific information regarding calls for service that are protected by confidentiality laws or sensitive in nature. The East Bay Regional Park District does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information contained on this website regarding specific incidents, crimes, or people with respect to the omission of information that may have not yet been filed or is pending filing with a court(s) of jurisdiction relating to criminal offenses.

The East Bay Regional Park District is the largest regional park system in the nation, comprising 73 parks, 55 miles of shoreline, and over 1,300 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and environmental education. The Park District receives more than 25 million visits annually throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Antioch priest appointed first ever volunteer Con Fire Chaplain

Friday, July 28th, 2023
Con Fire’s first ever volunteer Chaplain Fr, Robert Rien.

By Contra Costa County Fire Protection District

We are pleased to announce that Father Robert Rien has accepted the newly created position of volunteer Fire Chaplain – lead as part of the fire district peer support program. He is the first-ever official Fire Chaplain for Contra Costa County Fire Protection District. This appointment is effective immediately.

He has been the Pastor of St. Ignatius of Antioch Parish in Antioch for the last 18 years. During that time, he served as Chaplain for the Antioch Police Department and for the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District. He holds the distinguished Master Chaplain Certification from the International Conference of Police Chaplains.

Father Robert Rien is a native of Oakland, California, and is a Priest of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Oakland for the past 50 years. Ordained in 1974, he served parishes in Alameda and Contra Costa County. Three years after ordination, he served as the Catholic Chaplain for the 349th Military Air Lift Wing, stationed at Travis Air Force Base for five years.

Before being assigned to parishes in Contra Costa County in 2001, he served as Chaplain for the Oakland Fire Department. In addition to his other duties and responsibilities, he serves as Catholic Chaplain for both Sutter-Delta and Kaiser Deer Valley Hospitals.

Additionally, he serves as a Regional Chaplain for the East Bay Regional Park District and a Contra Costa County Peer Support Services Association member.

Father Robert currently resides in Antioch. When not tending to his parish, he enjoys reading, cooking, and watching the 49ers, Warriors, and Giants. He appreciates being with friends and loved ones.

Located in East County, Father Robert can be reached by email at Rrien@cccfpd.org. Please assist Father Robert in becoming familiar with the District and join us in making him a welcome part of the Con Fire team!

UPDATE: Search continued Saturday for man missing after falling off boat in river near Antioch Friday

Friday, July 21st, 2023
A Coast Guard helicopter searches river for man along Antioch waterfront Friday afternoon, July 21, 2023. Photos by Allen D. Payton

By Allen D. Payton

07/22/23 UPDATE #2: According to Jimmy Lee, Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office Director of Public Affairs, “On Friday, July 21, 2023, at about 1:51 PM, deputy sheriffs from the Marine Patrol Unit were dispatched to assist the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District and the United States Coast Guard with searching for a missing boater who was apparently trying to push his 20-foot vessel to shore near the Fulton Shipyard on the San Joaquin River. The U.S. Coast Guard and Sheriff’s Office drone team were also involved in the search. The missing boater, who is not being identified at this time, was not located. The Marine Patrol Unit will continue the search today.”

07/22/23 UPDATE #1: According to Coast Guard Public Affairs Specialist Schnabel, “We suspended the search after searching until around 7:30 pm. One man had fallen overboard from a recreational boat and the other man jumped in after him attempting to get him out of the water leaving the vessel unmanned. Neither had life jackets. One man was recovered by a Good Samaritan and taken to a local boat ramp.”

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A helicopter could be seen flying over the river and Waldie Plaza along the Antioch waterfront Friday afternoon. According to Con Fire PIO Steve Hill, “We responded in the noon hour to reports of a 55-year-old man in the water. In spite of searches by us, Sheriff’s Office Marine program and the Coast Guard we were unable to locate him. We are clearing at this hour, the Coast Guard remains on scene.”

As of 4:25 PM Coast Guard 11th District Public Affairs Specialist Hunter Schnabel said, “the search is ongoing for a male. We received a report from another male who was swimming with him after he got back to shore and called in a panic.”

A Coast Guard helicopter flies over Waldie Plaza in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown on Friday, July 21, 2023.

“We have Station Rio Vista and Air San Francisco’s MH65 Dolphins (helicopters) in the search,” he added.

Please check back later for any updates to this report.