Contra Costa County Fire

Firefighters from Station 15 helped pick-up toys from the Lafayette Car Show for @toysfortotsofficial! 🧸🎄

Evening training with our partners at @brentwoodpd on forcible entry at Fire Station 92!

Early this morning, December 6, Contra Costa Fire responded to a working structure fire in San Pablo. The fire was contained to the single building and the vehicle in front of the business. Thanks to @richmond_fire_cali for assistance. No injuries were reported and the cause is under investigation.

Introducing Contra Costa Fires’s newest Fire Rescue Boat Operators! Eleven firefighters spent the last week learning about Contra Costa Fire’s boats, the equipment and how to safely operate them!

While most of the District will be seeing rain this week, grasses and vegetation were still dry yesterday. On November 21, firefighters responded to a vegetation fire in Antioch. The fire was contained to approximately two acres and no injuries occurred.

Contra Costa Fire’s Dozer 220 moving heavy rounds of wood at a vegetation fire in Antioch on November 20, around 1:00 am. Fire was contained to under an acre and was a mixture of grass and wood piles. No injuries occurred.

SEVEN new fire engines! The last month and a half, Contra Costa Fire has put a total of seven brand new fire engines into service across the District! These new fire engines will increase the District’s reliability for emergency responses, reduce maintenance costs for older apparatus, and will increase firefighter safety. Station 2: @cityofphca Station 93: @cityofoakley Station 73: @cityofpinole Station 69: El Sobrante Station 7: @walnutcreekgov Station 82: @cityofantioch Station 95: @cityofoakley

On Tuesday, November 12, Contra Costa Fire took part in a hazardous materials training drill with @corteva in Pittsburg. Firefighters had the opportunity to work with multiple agencies to stop a simulated leak and rescue while also staffing an on-site EOC.

2024 Contra Costa Fire- Firefighter of the Year: Theresa Watkins! “I truly believe that your career is what you make of it here, so I am truly honored and humbled to be selected as this year‘s Firefighter of the Year.” - Theresa Watkins Each year, Contra Costa Fire solicits nominations from the members of our organization to help identify an individual who best personifies the District’s core values and represents the very best. After receiving multiple nominations from her peers, Engineer Theresa Watkins was chosen as the 2024 Firefighter of the Year. Her actions, attitudes and behaviors uphold Contra Costa Fire’s core values and each day she demonstrates a high-level of commitment to the District, it’s members, the communities we serve, and the firefighting profession. Engineer Theresa Watkins began her fire service career as a Firefighter EMT with Rodeo- Hercules Fire Protection District in 2014 and later promoted to the rank of Fire Captain. In March 2022, she came to Contra Costa Fire through a lateral fire academy and then promoted to Fire Engineer in 2024.

After 28 years of service, Battalion Chief Gil Guerrero has retired! BC Guerrero began his career with Contra Costa County as a reserve firefighter on October 1, 1996 and was hired as a full-time firefighter at the East Diablo Fire Protection District on September 26, 2002 which later became East Contra Costa County Fire Protection District. He was promoted to Fire Engineer on September 1, 2005 and promoted to Fire Captain shortly there after on September 1, 2006 and ultimately promoted to Battalion Chief in March 2020. BC Guerrero served 15 years on the United Professional Firefighters of Contra Costa County Local 1230 advocating for improved working conditions for firefighters and enhanced services for the communities we serve. BC Guerrero played a pivotal role on the annexation team that successfully integrated East Contra Costa Fire into Contra Costa County Fire. He has been a dedicated leader and mentor to our firefighters, engineers and captains.

Yesterday evening, November 5, Crew 12 responded to a tree on fire in Pittsburg. The hand crew was responsible for felling the tree so they could access the fire and ensure it didn’t spread to nearby vegetation during the Red Flag Warning.

On Monday, November 4, 2024, Contra Costa Fire’s Peer Support Team proudly introduced their new Peer Support Canine Program! “As first responders, we often encounter traumatic situations that can lead to emotional and psychological challenges. Our peer support dogs offer a unique form of comfort and therapy, helping to reduce stress and enhance morale. These incredible canines foster camaraderie within our team, reminding us that we are not alone in our experiences.” Deputy Fire Chief Brian Helmick Along with Peer Support Dogs, Mara and Gabby, Contra Costa Fire recognized Bonus, our Search and Rescue Task Force Dog, and Baxter, the Fire Investigation Unit’s Arson Detection Dog. All four dogs and their handlers were honored for their dedication and commitment to serving the community and supporting our members with a Swearing-In Ceremony.