AM Sprawling Growth Slows Fire Response Cynthia Gouw Mushrooming development has resources spread thin in Contra Costa County, a situation that could be more than an inconvenience, it could be a big danger. There are too few firehouses covering too large an area. Response times are now climbing up to eight minutes for outlying areas. Getting there in less than five minutes is the goal in order to prevent brain damage in a fire victim who has stopped breathing.
Residents are fearful for their safety.
Especially for the fire, especially for where we live. WE have to have a shorter response time. The three biggest trouble spots are the fast-growing hilly area along Reliez Valley Road in western Pleasant Hill and southern Martinez, Deer Valley Road in southern Antioch, and Port Chicago Highway in Clyde and North Concord. Contra Costa Fire Captain Dave George calls it a major frustration. We are fighting this battle as best as we possibly can, and obviously the answer is to have closer stations to all these locations.