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About Contra Costa Fire

Contra Costa County Fire Protection District is full-service, all-risk fire district that operates with a highly trained team of more than 670 firefighters and professional staff, responding from 35 strategically placed fire stations across 582 square miles.

Our operational strength includes a diverse fleet of fire engines, ladder trucks, rescues, boats, dozers, and specialized hazardous materials units. We are further supported by elite teams, including FEMA Urban Search & Rescue, Cal OES Hazardous Materials response, a Type 2IA hand crew, and a paramedic on every response unit.

Behind every response is the vital work of our Regional Fire and EMS Communications Center, robust training and wellness programs, and the committed professionals in fleet services, administration, and prevention. Our proactive Fire Prevention Bureau plays a key role in investigations, public education, plan review, and code enforcement-ensuring safety before the emergency ever begins.

Safety & Preparedness

Recognizing that safety and preparedness are necessary components of the service delivery system to protect communities and themselves.

Service

Valuing the importance of serving others before oneself, with a commitment to providing superior emergency and non-emergency services.

Professionalism

Valuing commitment and dedication as essential elements in achieving excellence and maintaining high standards.

History of Contra Costa Fire

Our History

The Contra Costa County Fire Protection District has a rich history shaped by decades of consolidation, cooperation, and growth among numerous local fire agencies. Since its formation, Contra Costa Fire has become one of the largest and most capable fire and emergency services organizations in California, serving urban and rural communities across the county.

Formation & Early Growth (1964–1968)

Contra Costa Fire was officially established on December 29, 1964, through the merger of the Central Fire Protection District and the Mt. Diablo Fire Protection District, combining key stations across the region:

  • Central Fire Protection District – Stations 1, 3, and 4 in Walnut Creek; Stations 2 and 5 in Pleasant Hill
  • Mt. Diablo Fire Protection District – Stations 6, 8, and 10 in Concord; Station 7 in West Pittsburg; Station 11 in Clayton; Station 9 in Pacheco

Shortly thereafter, several districts joined the new organization:

  • Mountain View Fire District – December 1, 1966 (Station 12, unincorporated Martinez)
  • Martinez Fire Department – July 1, 1968 (Stations 13 and 14)
Expansion & Consolidation (1969–1994)

The District continued growing through mergers and annexations:

  • Lafayette Fire Protection District – January 1, 1969 (Stations 15, 16, 17)
  • Bay Point Fire Protection District – January 1, 1969 (Stations 18 and Port Chicago station)
  • Island Fire District – Service Area F5 joined October 1, 1970
  • Briones Fire District – November 1, 1971 (Station 19)

Riverview Fire District was formed July 1, 1975, combining Antioch and Pittsburg Fire Departments, portions of Contra Costa Fire, and Island Fire District service areas. Port Chicago industrial area was added in 1977. Riverview was fully incorporated into Contra Costa Fire on July 1, 1994.

Other consolidations included:

  • San Pablo Fire District – annexed to El Sobrante Fire District, June 30, 1975
  • West County Fire District, Oakley Fire District, and Pinole Fire District – joined Contra Costa Fire on July 1, 1994
East Contra Costa Fire Protection District (2002–2022)

The East Contra Costa Fire Protection District (ECCFPD) was officially formed in November 2002, uniting:

  • Bethel Island Fire Protection District (1947–2002)
  • East Diablo Fire Protection District (1984–2002)
  • Oakley Fire Protection District (1924–2002)

These consolidations brought together decades of local fire protection heritage—from volunteer agencies to suburban departments—serving Brentwood, Oakley, Discovery Bay, Byron, Knightsen, Bethel Island, and surrounding areas.

Key historical milestones from ECCFPD predecessor agencies include:

  • Oakley Fire Protection District – Established 1924, evolved from hand-pulled wagons to a formal volunteer department, adding modern equipment over the decades.
  • Bethel Island Fire Protection District – Founded 1947, staffed primarily by volunteers, introduced firefighter-paramedic program in the 1990s.
  • Brentwood & Byron Fire Protection Districts – Served rural communities with volunteer stations, later consolidated into East Diablo Fire District in 1984 and 1991.

Following its formation, East Contra Costa Fire Protection District operated multiple stations and adjusted staffing over the years due to funding, grants, and operational needs. SAFER federal grants temporarily reopened several stations between 2012–2015. Today, Contra Costa Fire continues to honor the legacy of its predecessor agencies while maintaining professional, modern fire services.

Modern Expansion & Annexations (2022–2025)
  • East Contra Costa Fire Annexation – July 1, 2022
    This landmark consolidation united urban and rural fire service areas, improving response times, expanding EMS services, deploying new stations and staffing, and strengthening countywide resource coordination.
  • Rodeo-Hercules Annexation – July 1, 2025
    The annexation of the Rodeo-Hercules Fire District integrated West County service areas into Contra Costa Fire. This merger brought additional stations, staffing, and resources, enhancing emergency response capabilities and ensuring consistent fire protection, EMS, and disaster preparedness across the expanded District.
Today

Today, the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District serves over 750,000 residents across multiple cities and unincorporated areas, offering professional fire protection, emergency medical response, rescue, and disaster preparedness. The District’s long history of collaboration and growth reflects a steadfast commitment to public safety, community service, and operational excellence.

Annual Reports