Fire and Emergency Preparedness in the Rodeo Hercules Fire Protection District 

The Rodeo Hercules Fire Protection District (RHFPD) serves the City of Hercules and the community of Rodeo, providing essential fire and emergency services. RHFPD is nearing completion of an annexation by the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (CCCFPD), effective July 1, 2025. In preparation, both agencies are collaborating to enhance emergency preparedness, fire prevention, and response capabilities. Below are some frequently asked questions related to wildfire preparedness:

What steps are being taken to reduce fire risks within the District, such as vegetation management or public education campaigns? Are there community programs or resources available to help residents prepare their homes for fire safety?

Fire Prevention Measures

Ongoing Efforts:

• Community Awareness Campaigns:
  • Proactive door hangers are distributed by engine/truck company crews in high-risk neighborhoods to increase awareness and foster communication.
  • Social media is leveraged to broaden outreach and educate the public.
• Compliance and Inspections:
  • Non-compliant properties are notified and inspected (typically in late May and early June). Follow-up inspections continue until compliance is achieved. Non-compliance may lead to forced abatement.
• Collaboration:
  • Fire prevention staff work with homeowners' associations (HOAs) and property management companies to promote programs such as Fire Safe Communities, Firewise USA, and wildfire mitigation resources.
  • Assistance is provided in partnership with Contra Costa County’s Wildfire Mitigation Coordinator.

Available Programs and Resources:

• Contra Costa Wildfire Mitigation Program
• Firewise USA (Residents are encouraged to form their own Firewise communities.)
• East Bay Wildfire Coalition of Governments
• Community Chipping Days
• Home Hardening
• Wildfire Preparedness and Evacuation Resources
• Fire Safe Council
•  Guidance from the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS.org)
• Cal Fire Resources, including:
  • Defensible Space Guidelines
  • Zone o  Mitigation efforts (e.g., vegetation abatement, ember-resistant venting, Class A roofing materials, and replacing combustible fencing near structures)

Future Enhancements

Post-annexation, RHFPD’s fire prevention capabilities will expand, incorporating more robust prevention and response resources offered by CCCFPD. These enhancements include a fully staffed Fire Prevention Department and Crew 12, a unique CCCFPD wildland hand crew dedicated to pre-season mitigation and incident response.

Preparing for the 2025 Wildfire Season

RHFPD, in collaboration with CCCFPD, is proactively addressing wildfire risks. Notices will be sent to previously non-compliant properties, with a compliance deadline of June 1, 2025. Inspections will begin on June 2, 2025, ensuring community readiness for the wildfire season.

How does the District coordinate with neighboring jurisdictions during a fire? What resources or partnerships does the District rely upon in such scenarios?

Emergency Response Coordination

• Operational Framework:
  • RHFPD operates within Battalion 7, jointly managed with CCCFPD under an automatic aid agreement.
  • Currently, RHFPD contributes one Battalion Chief, while CCCFPD provides two, ensuring effective incident command, firefighter safety, and resource management.
  • After the annexation, RHFPD will fully integrate with CCCFPD, enhancing coordination and resource allocation.
• Collaborations, Automatic Aid, and Mutual Aid:
  • RHFPD responds to emergencies in neighboring communities, including Pinole, Tara Hills, Bayview, and Martinez, through automatic and mutual aid agreements.
  • Partnerships extend to:
    • Contra Costa Fire Protection District (annexation pending)
    • Crockett-Carquinez Fire Protection District
    • Richmond Fire Department
    • El Cerrito Fire Department
    • Moraga-Orinda Fire Protection District
    • Cal Fire
    • Rodeo Renewable Fuels Fire Brigade
  • Common communication is ensured through shared emergency dispatch and other integrated radio channels.
• Statewide and Regional Mutual Aid:
  • RHFPD participates in the California Fire Assistance Agreement (CFAA), providing mutual aid resources throughout California, Oregon, and Nevada.
  • The CFAA, managed by the California Office of Emergency Services (CalOES), ensures cost recovery for aid provided.
• Law Enforcement Coordination:
  • RHFPD collaborates with local and regional law enforcement agencies, including:
    • Hercules Police Department
    • Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office
    • California Highway Patrol (CHP)
• Additional Partnerships Include:
  • ​​​​​​​Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E)
  • East Bay Regional Park District
  • East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD)
  • Amtrak
  • Various government, business, and community partners

Who is responsible for ensuring that fire hydrants are operational?

The East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD), as the owner of the fire hydrants and water service provider, is responsible for their construction, repair, and maintenance. [Click here for their wildfire preparation page.]

RHFPD is committed to enhancing fire prevention, emergency preparedness, and response capabilities as it transitions to full annexation by CCCFPD. These efforts aim to provide safer communities and stronger regional collaboration for the residents of Hercules, Rodeo, and surrounding areas