A significant brush fire erupted in Antioch on the evening of June 18, 2025, rapidly consuming over 200 acres and prompting swift action from fire crews and local authorities. The fire, which has been named the Somersville Fire, began just after 7 p.m. near Somersville Road and James Donlon Boulevard, igniting dry grass and brush in the Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve area.
According to the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (Con Fire) and Cal Fire, the fire initially covered about 30 acres within the first half-hour of ignition but quickly spread to approximately 209 acres by 9 p.m. The blaze exhibited a moderate rate of spread, raising concerns about its potential to expand further and threaten nearby neighborhoods.
Evacuation warnings were promptly issued for residents in the affected zones, specifically zone ANT-E007, which includes areas north of Grimsby Drive, south of Hamlin Drive, east of Lafayette Drive, west of Tabora Drive, Silver Creek Circle, and James Donlon Boulevard. The Antioch Police Department established an evacuation point at Canal Park on Gentrytown Drive to assist displaced residents.
One of the more vulnerable locations within the evacuation zone was an assisted living facility. Fire crews safely evacuated four residents from the home, with one individual being transported to a local hospital for smoke inhalation treatment. The other three residents were able to self-evacuate. Overall, four people received medical attention for smoke inhalation related to the fire.
Despite the rapid growth of the fire, no structures were reported to have been damaged. Fire officials credited the fire’s fuel source—annual grass and brush—for allowing crews to work efficiently to contain the blaze. By 11:44 p.m., the fire was reported to be 50% contained, with forward progress halted. Firefighters planned to continue rotating crews into the early hours of June 19 to conduct extended mop-up operations and ensure the fire remained within its footprint.
The Antioch Police Department advised residents to stay clear of the fire area to facilitate access for emergency responders. Commuters were also warned to avoid routes near Black Diamond Mines and James Donlon Boulevard due to the ongoing firefighting efforts.
Alongside the immediate fire response, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District issued an air quality advisory for eastern Contra Costa County. The smoke from the Somersville Fire was expected to cause smoky, hazy skies and potentially unhealthy air quality conditions. Residents were urged to stay indoors, keep windows and doors closed, and monitor local air quality updates. The district also noted that smoke conditions could change rapidly and that the location and concentration of smoke at ground level are difficult to predict.
The cause of the Somersville Fire remains under active investigation by fire officials. Authorities have not yet determined what sparked the blaze but continue to assess the situation as crews work to fully extinguish the fire.
Local residents expressed their concerns and gratitude toward the firefighting teams. George Johnson, who evacuated his home as a precaution, described the scene: "I opened the door and just seen a lot of smoke. Normally it’s clear up here, so when it's fire and you get that dark smoke, it was a little bit too dark than it normally is at the time." His wife, Lucia Johnson, recalled the urgency of the evacuation: "It was very scary, very scary. I just grabbed our things and prayed and got out as quickly as we could."
The rapid response by Contra Costa Fire and Cal Fire, along with coordinated efforts from the Antioch Police Department, proved critical in managing the fire and protecting residents. The evacuation warning was lifted just before 10 p.m., allowing residents to return to their homes after the immediate threat subsided.
While the fire caused no structural damage, the incident highlights the ongoing risks posed by dry vegetation and the importance of preparedness during California’s fire season. Officials continue to monitor the situation closely as the community recovers from the event.
