[Final Update: 80% Contained] Vegetation Fire Reported Northeast of Dinsmore; Structures Threatened

Around 2 p.m. today, a full wildland fire response was initiated to the Burr Valley Road area off Highway 36 for the report of a vegetation fire. This area has had two previously reported fires in the last four days.

Units were just released from the Valley Fire this morning after a fire was reported around 5:45 p.m. on October 1. That fire reportedly burned two structures and threatened a third before becoming contained.

On September 29, a vegetation fire was reported in the area, reportedly started from a suspect throwing “fire balls”. The suspect in that incident was arrested the next day and remains in custody. At this time, the cause of the other fires is unknown.

Upon arrival, CAL FIRE Air Attack 120, circling above the fire which appears to be to the north of Highway 36, reported the fire is approximately 5 acres in size with a moderate rate of spread. Multiple structures are threatened near the heel of the fire, now dubbed the Bear Fire, according to scanner traffic. Air Attack stated that the fire has a potential to grow to 50 acres in size.

Additional resources including two tankers and one helicopter, along with additional ground resources have been requested.

If traveling in the area, please use caution as fire personnel respond to the fire.

Please remember that information gathered from initial reports is subject to revision as more facts become available. 

Update 3:29 p.m.: The fire, last updated to have grown to 15 acres in size, has had a “slop over” of the left flank, according to scanner traffic. There are currently four tankers, and one helicopter, working the fire. Two additional tankers already in air to the Potter Fire in Mendocino were offered to the Bear Fire, however, the Incident Commander relayed that the aircraft already working the fire was sufficient.

UPDATE 6:04 p.m.: All fixed wing aircraft have been released from the fire.

Final UPDATE: Cal Fire is reporting that the fire is 80% contained. Four engines will be monitoring overnight. This will be our final update unless something unusual occurs.

Earlier: 

• New Fire Reported Out Highway 36
• Arrest Made in Suspected Arson Fire Near Highway 36
• [UPDATE 8:41 p.m.: Forward Progress Stopped] Barn Fire Spreads to the Surrounding Vegetation in Eastern Humboldt