Smoke In Hercules, Rodeo, Crockett From Training Burns: Con Fire

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA — Passersby and residents in Crockett, Hercules and Rodeo may notice smoke and firefighting equipment this week and again next week as wildland fire "burn" training takes place, according to officials with the Rodeo-Hercules Fire District and the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District.

During the morning hours — 9 a.m. and noon — Monday through Friday, June 14-18 and June 21-25, Philips 66 personnel, along with crews from Cal Fire and other fire agencies, will take part in the training.

The training, weather permitting, is set to take place in Rodeo in a large open area bounded by Interstate 80 to the west, Willow Road to the south, and Cummings Skyway to the north.

"Training will involve setting controlled fires and extinguishing them under careful supervision," Con Fire Spokesperson Steve Hill said. "Firefighters will gain valuable experience and training through this controlled burn to help them better protect the communities they serve."

In addition to the training value, this fire-prone area, which has burned annually for the last three years, will represent much less of a wildfire threat to neighbors, including area homes and oil industry infrastructure, Hill said.

"Please do not call 911 regarding this controlled training burn activity," Hill said. "We thank all area residents for their cooperation and apologize in advance for any inconvenience this may cause."