Illegal Fireworks Likely Sparked Dozens Of Fires In Bay Area

CONCORD, CA — First responders got little rest on Independence Day, responding to dozens of Bay Area fires that investigators believe were ignited by illegal fireworks. At least two people suffered serious fireworks-related injuries in the East Bay.

In Contra Costa County alone, officials confirmed nearly 200 emergency calls, including 82 fires and 50 linked to fireworks, responding to 19 fires in the 9 p.m. hour and 21 in the 10 p.m. hour.

Fire crews contained a three-acre vegetation fire in Walnut Creek and a one-acre blaze in Antioch shortly before 10:30 p.m., then rushed to a house fire a few minutes before 11 p.m. Investigators are still working to determine the cause of the house fire, but witnesses reported an explosion preceding the blaze.

According to The East Bay Times, a Pleasant Hill man suffered a serious hand injury from suspected illegal fireworks. In Alameda County, Oakland Fire confirmed a second hand injury. A spokesperson for Con Fire told the newspaper that call volumes were up 25 percent from last July 4.

Elsewhere in the East Bay, fire officials said calls were up 20 percent in Oakland, and Bay City News reported that Alameda County recorded an 11 percent increase in emergency calls and extinguished at least 17 fires where illegal fireworks were responsible.