15 Acre Fire Burned at Mad River Beach Into the Early Morning Hours

Many residents worried as the fire burned along the beach. [Photo by Jennifer Lyn]

At 9:38 p.m., Thursday night, a fast moving vegetation fire impacted Mad River Beach County Park; dominated by coastal winds, dry grass and brush. Arcata Fire crews arrived to find a 1-3 acre main fire and several spot fires in a difficult to access area of the park. These conditions required firefighters to lay over 2500 feet of hose in order to reach the edge of the growing fire. Forward progress was stopped at 1:50 a.m. and the fire was contained to approximately 15 acres of vegetation by 3:30 a.m. No structures were immediately threatened.

Arcata Fire, Blue Lake Fire, Humboldt Bay Fire, CalFire, Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office and County Parks assisted at the scene and District coverage was provided by Samoa Peninsula Fire and Fieldbrook Fire.

Smoke will be occasionally visible in the area and there will be no need to report smoke or fire at Mad River Beach County Park for the next few days, as fire crews continue to work. Mad River Road will be impacted by fire engine traffic for the next few days and we ask that you please drive carefully and avoid the area if possible.

The cause is under investigation, however, Illegal fireworks were seen in the area immediately before the fire and continued as crews arrive at the scene. This matter has been referred to the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office.

Arcata Fire District would like to thank all of the responding agencies for their all night assistance. We would also like to remind everyone that it is always fire season and small fires can easily grow to large ones with a small amount of wind and dry brush.

Earlier Chapter:  Fire Breaks Out Possibly Because Of Fireworks