Fire Station 94 Don’t Be Fooled by Heat Maps: What the Data Really Tells Us

To whom it may concern,

Supervisor Burgis’ May 16 newsletter features a heat map from the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District highlighting 2,400 emergency calls in 2024 within 1.5 miles of the proposed Fire Station 94 location downtown. The map looks impressive at first glance—but it says less than it seems and reveals more about the Fire District’s lack of long-term planning than they may realize.

Fire District's Heat Map

Let’s take a closer look.

1. Historical Data ≠ Future Readiness

The heat map only reflects past calls, not projected population growth. Brentwood is rapidly expanding—especially north and west of Sand Creek Road, where new housing developments are emerging and population density is increasing. Ignoring this trend is not just shortsighted—it’s a setup for obsolescence. Planning a decades-long public safety asset using yesterday’s data is a recipe for being behind the curve from day one.

2. What About Calls Near Sand Creek?

The Sand Creek property—originally identified in 2005 as the replacement site for Station 54—is just one mile from downtown. Given that proximity, one must ask: How many of those 2,400 calls occurred within 1.5 miles of Sand Creek? If a central location can serve both existing needs and anticipated growth, shouldn’t that be the priority?

The Sand Creek site is less than 1 mile from the downtown site.

3. Of Course Response Time Downtown Improves With a Downtown Station—That’s Not the Point

To claim a station downtown will improve response times downtown is obvious—but ultimately misleading. Put a fire station anywhere, and that area will benefit. The real question is: Where should we place a station to maximize coverage, not just now, but 20 years from now? The answer—based on population distribution, infrastructure, and growth patterns—is Sand Creek.

4. Poor Planning Today = Higher Costs Tomorrow

This situation is reminiscent of Vasco Road—a corridor that’s seen tragedy and massive public expense because it wasn’t built to meet foreseeable demand. We knew then that upgrades were necessary. We waited. Now we’re paying the price, in both money and lives. Are we going to repeat that mistake with fire protection in Brentwood?

Heat maps don’t plan for the future. People do.

Colorful charts and scare tactics may distract the public temporarily, but they cannot substitute for thoughtful, future-focused planning. What we need now isn’t fear—it’s courage to course correct, to honor dedicated land, and to serve the greatest number of residents for the longest time at the best cost.

Brentwood deserves nothing less.

Mike Clement

American Legion Post 202/PUFL

Past American Legion District 9 Commander 

Life Members Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10789

Life Members Disabled American Veterans Chapter 154