Bridge Fire Morning Update: Crews Gain Ground, One Structure Lost

Cal Fire gave a morning briefing. Video by Lisa Music

Firefighters made significant progress overnight on the Bridge Fire burning near Alderpoint, Cal Fire officials reported during a morning briefing at the Alderpoint VFD station on Monday, July 7. They also reported that although several structures were threatened, only one barn was lost in the fire.

The blaze, which began Sunday evening with three separate ignition points, has now been divided into two main areas of focus: Branch 5, west of the bridge, and Branch 1, east of the Eel River.

According to Cal Fire, Branch 5 consists of two fires that merged together. That area—where most firefighters drove through this morning—now has completed dozer line, hand line, and hose line surrounding it. Crews transitioned into mop-up overnight, focusing on extinguishing hotspots and securing the perimeter.

Branch 1, the fire on the east side of the Trevor Earley Memorial Bridge, was the second priority yesterday but is the larger of the two, currently estimated at approximately 300 acres. Overnight, crews successfully installed hose lines along most of Division Alpha and parts of Division Lima. Division Echo, at the head of the fire, now has dozer line around 95% of its perimeter, though not all sections have hose laid yet. Some fire has moved downhill toward the river on the Echo and Lima sides, which will require additional attention today to fully contain and validate line integrity.

Alderpoint Road Remains Hard Closed

Alderpoint Road remains under a hard closure from one mile west of Alderpoint (just west of McCreary Lane) through town and east to the intersection with Zenia Bluff Road (commonly referred to as Fire Camp). This includes a no local traffic restriction—residents will not be allowed through. Once outside the area, local residents won’t be allowed back in. Cal Fire and cooperating agencies will reevaluate road conditions and public safety at 12 noon today to determine whether the closure can be adjusted.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. A local resident reported to 911 seeing someone in a white Ford F-350 truck throwing objects from the vehicle before spot fires ignited west of Alderpoint near the flagpole and along the roadside just east of the bridge.

Temperatures are predicted to be in the mid 90’s today. The heat will complicate firefighting efforts.

Residents in evacuation warning zones are urged to remain alert and prepared to leave if conditions worsen. Updates and zone details can be found at protect.genasys.com or by contacting the Humboldt County Office of Emergency Services at 707-445-7251.

Stay tuned to Redheaded Blackbelt for ongoing updates, photos, and video from the scene.