Limited response plan implementation ensures responses to exceptionally high volume of fireworks-caused fires

Antioch had most with 22 and worst structure fire destroying garage, damaging two homes in which four residents displaced, dog died

Martinez man loses part of hand holding an exploding firework

By Steve Hill, PIO, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District

July 6, 2023 – Contra Costa County Fire Protection District today made available details of the fire and EMS activity, much of it fireworks related, occurring across the district on the Independence Day holiday evening.

For the six-hour period from 8 p.m., July 4, to 2 a.m., July 5, the district dispatched crews to 69 fire incidents. This represents a more than 400 percent increase over other recent Tuesdays, which in June, averaged 20 fire dispatches for the entire day. Year-over-year, fire incidents were up nearly 60 percent.

The holiday evening’s 69 fire incidents point to the dangers of fireworks use in current heightened fire danger conditions. Eleven of these fires are known to have been caused, and another 51 suspected of having been caused by fireworks.

While the cool weather was favorable and the midweek timing had the holiday falling on a work night, fires numbered some 60 percent more than 4th of July 2023’s 44 fire incidents for the same evening period.

In spite of more than 60 grass, vegetation and other exterior fires burning across the district on the

Four Residents Displaced, Dog Dies in Antioch Fire

evening of the Fourth, only four structure fires ensued. Of these, in three cases, fireworks could not be ruled out as the cause. In the worst structure fire of the evening, in the 2 a.m. hour in Antioch, a garage was destroyed, and two adjacent homes substantially damaged as a result of fireworks. In all, four residents were displaced, and a dog died, as a result of this unnecessary fire.

20% Increase in Emergency Medical Service Incidents 

Calls for emergency medical services were also up over normal, non-holiday periods with some of this increase likely attributable to fireworks activity. On the Fourth, 240 EMS incidents were dispatched with 64 of these occurring between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. the next day. Total EMS responses represent about a 20% increase over more typical weekdays. On average, Con Fire responds to just over 200 EMS incidents daily.

In one particularly egregious case, a 66-year-old male in Martinez was gravely injured in the 10 p.m. hour when he lost part of a hand while holding an exploding firework.

Considerable preparation across the district, including upstaffing of additional dispatchers; two hand crews and equipment; two fire dozers; and the district operations center, staffed by multiple chief officers; resulted in rapid and overwhelming responses, which served to limit fire spread, and resultant damage when fires did occur.

All 60-plus grass and exterior fires were kept small, limiting potential for structure damage as a result of rapid and overwhelming responses as well as early notifications to 911 by residents.

See photos from the celebration and parade winners

By Allen D. Payton

Hundreds of Antioch residents lined the streets of historic, downtown Rivertown to enjoy the annual Independence Day Parade on Tuesday afternoon, July 4, 2023. Beginning with Antioch Police motorcycle officers and the Delta Veterans Group, the parade ended with the Tamaborago Arrazador band and dancing horses. (See parade videos on the Antioch Herald Facebook here and here)

A crowd then gathered in Waldie Plaza to enjoy the sounds of Tony Lindsay, the longest-tenured lead singer of Santana, and band and Michael Jackson tribute band Foreverland. (See videos here, here, here and here)

Children also enjoyed the Kids Zone in the City Hall parking lot and folks enjoyed food from the Rivertown Dining District restaurants and the various food trucks and booths.

Thousands of people a gathered along the Promenade between G Street and Waldie Plaza, on the Compy Compomizzo Fishing Pier and at Monica’s Riverview restaurant (for a fee), as well as along the railroad right-of-way to watch the fireworks show over the river.

The fireworks barge arrived from Fulton Shipyard on the east end of Antioch’s waterfront to just across from the fishing pier and Monica’s the at the end of I and H Streets, as the pyrotechnics company staff prepared to launch the first shells of the show which began about 9:20 pm.

The fireworks show to end this year’s Antioch Independence Day Celebration and especially the finale pleased those who watched along the waterfront as they cheered, whistled and applauded. See videos of the fireworks finale, here.

Parade Winners

Most Creative: Delta Learning Center

Most Patriotic: Delta Veterans Group

Best Performance: Park Middle School Cheer

Best Vehicle – 1st: Councilmember Monica Wilson

Best Vehicle – 2nd: “Sassy” (1928 Pontiac)

Best Vehicle – 3rd: “Phatt Chance” (1950 Plymouth)

Two males shot, one in the neck; woman arrested in separate shooting with cops in line of fire

By Sgt. Price Kendall, PIO, Antioch Police Department

At 11:21 PM, Tuesday, July 4, 2023, Antioch Police officers were dispatched to the area of 700 K Street on the report two males had been shot. One of the males was shot in the neck and life-flighted to John Muir Medical Center. Both persons are expected to survive.

There were also two large sideshows last night. The first one was at the intersection of Gentrytown Drive and Buchanan Road and first reported at 11:34 PM. Due to the shooting, officers were unable to make it to the first sideshow.

At approximately 11:45 PM, officers were dispatched to an assault with bear mace in the 700 Block of J Street. While officers were on scene and after they separated both parties, a shot was fired at the victim’s direction. Officers were also in the line of fire. After the shot, officers confronted the female, she complied and dropped the gun. She was subsequently arrested.

During the call on J Street it was learned the sideshow that had taken place on Gentrytown Drive had moved to the Lone Tree Way and Bluerock Drive/Golf Course Road intersection. The first call came at 12:40 AM. Officers were still on scene at both shootings. Officers were unable to respond to the sideshow until 1:40 AM. Upon arrival, the vehicles dispersed.

The debris from multiple, illegal fireworks, shot off during the sideshow, could be seen in the roadway Wednesday morning and was cleaned up by noon.

ABC7 News Bay Area reported “dozens of people around the intersection as cars do donuts, some people getting very close to those cars. People were also seen standing around a fire on the street. The flames were put out when firefighters arrived.”

According to Mayor Lamar Thorpe, police used drones to capture video of the second sideshow and cars will be impounded.

There were 40 calls for service, most with multiple callers for fireworks, with well over 100 actual calls into dispatch.

As of Wednesday morning, no arrests have been made regarding the first shooting.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Enjoy parks safely and responsibly; no fireworks allowed in Regional Parks

The East Bay Regional Park District is urging Fourth of July visitors to enjoy parks safely and responsibly.

The Fourth of July holiday is typically one of the busiest days of the year for Regional Parks. Some of our more popular parks and swim areas are expected to reach capacity early in the day. Visitors are encouraged to carpool and arrive early. Parking lots may become full, though there are many Regional Park options to consider.

When visiting a Regional Park on the Fourth of July, visitors should know and follow these important tips and rules.

• NO Fireworks – Fireworks are not allowed in Regional Parks.
• Stay Cool and Hydrated – Plan ahead and bring plenty of water.
• Beat the Heat – With hot weather, visit in the morning and early evening when it is cooler. If you do venture out, wear a hat and loose, lightweight, and light-colored clothing.
• Drink Responsibly – Drinking alcohol is only allowed at certain Regional Parks. Check www.ebparks.org/parks before you go.
• Follow Water Safety Rules if Swimming – Free loaner life jackets are available at all East Ba Regional Park District swim facilities as an extra safeguard for anyone concerned about their swimming abilities or their children.
• Be Fire Smart – Be aware of Red Flag warnings, fire danger levels, and fire safety rules. www.ebparks.org/public-safety/fire/fire-danger-levels-restrictions.

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.

No plans, this 4th of July? Come party with us!

-Entry fee after 5 pm: $10 for adults, $5 for kids. Includes beverage ticket

-Exclusive outdoor seating to view fireworks

-DJ’s all day starting at 11am

-Face painting and entertainment for the kids

-Cuco’s Tacos

-Special dining room menu

Monica’s Riverview is located on the water at 1 I (Eye) Street in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown. For more information see visitmonicas.com.

To help people arrive safely at their destination, the CHP will implement a statewide Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP) throughout the weekend and continues through 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, July 4. Throughout the extended holiday weekend, all available uniformed members of the Department will be on patrol to enhance public safety, deter unsafe driving behavior, and, when necessary, take appropriate enforcement action.

Join the City of Antioch in celebrating Independence Day on Tuesday, July 4th in our historic, downtown Rivertown from 4-10 p.m.

Celebration Site

The main celebration will take place in Waldie Plaza and the parking lot of City Hall, encompassing W. 2nd to W. 3rd Streets and G to I Streets. There are many things to do and enjoy within the celebration site including a live entertainment stage, local vendors, food trucks, Kids Zone, DJ stage and much more.

Local Restaurants

The Rivertown Dining District has 14 establishments to enjoy a variety of dining experiences including Smith’s Landing Seafood Grille, Monica’s Riverview, Rick’s on Second, Chrome Coffee, Solid Rock Café/Q’s Cajun Kitchen, Guadalajara Taqueria, Canton City, Tony’s Beer Garden, Tease Southern Kitchen, TnT Smoothie & Juice Bar, La Plazuela, Taco Tone, plus, the newest additions, Buford’s BBQ and Four Legs Brewing at Monica’s.

Parade

The parade begins at4:00 p.m. Bring your own chairs and set up along W. 2nd and W. 3rd Streets before 4:00 pm to watch our annual Independence Day Parade pass by. Visit Waldie Plaza to experience live entertainment and enjoy local food vendors and trucks. Have an exciting time with friends and family in the Kids Zone located at City Hall.

Parade Route

The parade will begin at the intersection of W. 2nd and E Streets next to the old lumber company lot at 4:00 PM. The Judges’ Station will be located at the center of Waldie Plaza. A second parade performance stop will be on W. 3rd Street next to City Hall. We will finish the parade on W. 3rd Street at the corner of D Street.

Parade Entry Information: Fourth of July Parade Application

Community Vendor Application: Download Application

(Email completed applications to recreation@antiochca.gov)

Live Entertainment

Enjoy live entertainment on the stage in Waldie Plaza.

Tony Lindsay – In 1980, RnB Jazz-Soul vocalist Tony Lindsay arrived in the San Francisco Bay Area from Kingston, New York and after 25 years as the lead vocalist for Santana, Lindsay has garnered 11 Grammy awards, traveled on several world tours and recorded on seven CDs.

Foreverland – The Electrifying Tribute to Michael Jackson – A fan favorite from last year’s July 4th Celebration, since 2009, Foreverland has been mesmerizing audiences around the country with their larger-than-life tribute to the one and only Michael Jackson. Featuring three dynamic vocalists, a powerhouse rhythm section, and the hardest working horn section in the biz, Foreverland recreates hits from the Jackson 5 era through the end of Michael’s incredible career in a way that honors the King of Pop’s musical genius and legendary showmanship like no other tribute band has ever done.

Fireworks Show

Be sure to pick your spot to see the big fireworks show on the river which will begin after dusk (usually about 9:30 pm).

Schedule*

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM Parade

4:00 PM – 9:00 PM Kids Zone

5:00 PM – 5:15 PM That Math Magician

5:00 PM – 6:30 PM Live Entertainment | Tony Lindsay

7:30 PM – 9:00 PM Kids Zone Stage | DJ Melly Mel

7:00 PM Announcements of Parade Winners

7:15 PM – 9:15 PM Live Entertainment | Foreverland

9:15 PM Fireworks Show

*Times subject to change

For more information visit www.antiochca.gov/fourth-of-july-celebration.

In historic, downtown Rivertown with parade, live music, Kids Zone and fireworks over the river!