Station Closures, Holiday Fireworks Spark Concerns For E. Bay Firefighters

BRENTWOOD (KCBS) - Firefighters in Eastern Contra Costa County are expressing concern about the upcoming Fourth of July holiday.

Specifically, they fear the closure of a number of the area's fire stations on Sunday leaves the community particularly vulnerable during a dangerous time.

The region actually once had nine fire stations to protect and serve the 100,000 residents living nearby. Some time ago, three stations were closed. Another three were shuttered Sunday. Now, there are just three open and active stations.

"This first week of July is normally busier than other weeks of the year," warned East Contra Costa Fire Chief Hugh Henderson. "And with the Fourth of July holiday and everything, we hope that people are going to be safe, fireworks are illegal in Contra Costa County."

KCBS' Bob Butler Reports:

Another firefighter described Independence Day as the "day of all days" for fire service calls.

Eastern Contra Costa County Fire planned to rely on mutual aid, from Contra Costa Fire and Antioch Fire, in the event of major emergency.

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