On Thursday, Jan. 17 at 3:56 p.m., a fire broke out in the second-story master bedroom of a house on the 100 block of Almaden Court in Oakley. Fire Engine 93 of the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District (ECCFPD) arrived in a few minutes, and firefighters put the fire out before it could seriously damage more of the house.

The fire had been venting through the bedroom window, threatening the roof and approaching the attic. The Engine 93 crew got everyone safely out of the house, and a firefighter rendered immediate care to a woman suffering from burns and smoke inhalation. She was transported to Kaiser Antioch by ambulance.

East Contra Costa Fire Engine 94 came in next, followed by Contra Costa Fire Engines 88, 81 and 82.

According to ECCFPD Battalion Chief and Incident Commander Jeff Burris, “This fire could have easily and quickly consumed this residence and its contents. The firefighters did an excellent job knocking down this fire. We were fortunate that adequate resources were available or this could have had a very different outcome.”

Homeowner Zenophon Williams expressed relief and gratitude regarding firefighters’ quick response and successful action. “Oakley is all about family,” he said. “I’ll never leave Oakley. These firefighters take care of people and their homes. God bless them. They are our heroes!”

Sam Bradley contributed to this story.