[UPDATE 4:22 p.m.] Firefighters Battle Two Suspected Arson Fires Near Swains Flat on Highway 36

Multiple scanner reports state a man has been setting vegetation on fire near the Swains Flat General Store along Highway 36. The incidents were first reported at about 1:35 p.m. Firefighters arrived to find two separate vegetation fires, each estimated at about one-quarter acre.

No suspect description has been confirmed by law enforcement.

Cal Fire is responding with a full wildland resource dispatch, including engines, hand crews, dozers, and aircraft.

Crews are working to contain both blazes and prevent further spread.

Please remember that this story is unfolding. Information is being reported as we gather it. However, some of the information coming from witnesses and initial official reports could be wrong. We will do our best to get the facts but, in the case that something is inaccurate, we will update with correct information as soon as we can.

UPDATE 1:53 p.m.: The dozers have been cancelled but other resources are being continued.

UPDATE 1:57 p.m.: The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Department is looking for a  suspect described as a white male, 5’8, blue eyes who was wearing a camo jacket and carrying a big stick headed west on Highway 36.

Forward progress has been stopped on one of the fires, a hose lay is around the other, and some resources are being cancelled.

UPDATE 2:01 p.m.: Fire resources are being told to continue responding until forward progress is stopped on both fires.

UPDATE 2:03 p.m.: A telephone pole reportedly caught fire not long after the fire was started.

UPDATE 2:22 p.m.: Caltrans is being asked to close Highway 36 near the fire scene.

UPDATE 4:22 p.m.: Final acreage on both fires together is .21 acres. The roadway is open and if there was a closure it was for a short time only.

UPDATE 8/11: CAL FIRE, Deputies Seek Suspect in Two Arson Fires Near Swains Flat

UPDATE 8/12: [Update: Video] Arson Suspect in Swains Flat Fires Reportedly ‘Tied Up’ Near Carlotta