[UPDATE 7:37 a.m.: Map, 348 Acres, 0% Containment] Bridge Fire Near Alderpoint

Flames from the #BridgeFire push down steep slopes toward the Eel River on the night of July 6. [Photo by Lisa Music]

A wildfire that erupted near Alderpoint around 5:45 p.m. on Sunday, July 6, has scorched an estimated 190 acres, burned one outbuilding, and forced evacuation warnings and road closures and may have been arson, according to one witness. The Bridge Fire began as at least three separate ignition points along Alderpoint Road—two to the west and one to the east of the Alderpoint Bridge (now known as the Trevor Early Memorial Bridge).

Cal Fire Battalion Chief Ron McLaughlin reported to us about midnight that the two fires west of Alderpoint had burned together into one fire and were maintaining their footprint at about 40 acres, while the eastern blaze was mostly burning in a largely uninhabited area and is “uncontrolled.” Firefighters are going direct on that blaze.

As of late Sunday night, the fire continued to burn actively, particularly on the east side.

Around 11:30 p.m., reporter Lisa Music, broadcasting live from the eastern edge of the fire near Carter Creek, described the flames advancing toward the Eel River. “Fire engine after fire engine was rolling in,” she said, noting the challenging terrain and limited visibility. “Crews are out here digging hand lines, running hoses, driving dozers—working to keep our community safe.”

Cal Fire investigators examining what may be one of the ignition points Sunday evening. Note the different colored flags helping pinpoint evidence. [Photo by Lisa Music]

McLaughlin tells us that the cause of the fire is under investigation, but a local resident has reported suspicious activity. According to the wife of the original 911 caller, her husband saw a man in an older white Ford F-350 driving erratically and throwing items from his vehicle. Spot fires erupted along the road right afterward.

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office issued evacuation warnings at 8:05 p.m. for zones HUM-E204-A, HUM-E204-B, HUM-E205-A, and HUM-E205-B. Residents in these areas are advised to be ready to leave on short notice. Affected residents can view full zone descriptions and updates at protect.genasys.com.

Road closures are in effect one mile west of Alderpoint just west of McCreary Lane  and east of town at the intersection of Alderpoint Road and Zenia Bluff Road (commonly known as Fire Camp). Residents east of Fire Camp are advised to consider alternate routes such as Blocksburg to Highway 36, though delays may occur due to construction.

Flames light up the night sky. [Photo by Lisa Music taken just before midnight]

Power was knocked out for approximately 230 customers earlier in the evening but has since been restored.

Firefighters from multiple agencies, including local VFDs and Cal Fire, remain engaged in a full suppression effort. While the western edge of the fire appears largely calm, efforts continue overnight to secure the more active eastern front. Cal Fire is still reporting 0% containment as of midnight on Sunday.

Tomorrow the temperatures in the Alderpoint area are predicted to hit the mid-nineties.

For evacuation information, visit humboldtsheriff.org/emergency or call 707-445-7251.

UPDATE:7:20 a.m.: According to the Cal Fire Incident page, the Bridge Fire is now mapped at 348 Acres, 0% Containment.

UPDATE 7:26 a.m.: Here’s a map from Cal Fire showing the footprint of the fire:

A map from Cal Fire showing the footprint of the fire

UPDATE 7:35 a.m.:

The AlertCalifornia Patton Hill 1 camera shows smoke is laying down this morning. And Weather.gov shows the humidity is currently 95% which is good. However, temperatures are expected to rise later today and fire activity will likely rise also.

Earlier: 

• Bridge Fire Ignites Near Alderpoint; Aircraft and Land Crews Responding
• Bridge Fire Evacuation Warnings From HCSO