Sheriff’s Office Investigates Bridgeville Structure Fire; Remains Believed to Be Animal

Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office: 

On Nov. 17, 2025, at approximately 4:21 p.m., Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to a residence in the 2200 block of China Mine Road in Bridgeville to conduct a welfare check on a resident who had reportedly started a fire inside the home. The reporting party told dispatchers she had spoken with the resident by phone, during which he stated that his coat was on fire before hanging up.

While deputies were en route, the Humboldt County Emergency Communications Center received a subsequent call from a neighbor reporting that the residence was fully engulfed in flames. When deputies arrived, the structure had already burned down to the foundation. Cal Fire was notified and responded to the scene.

A comprehensive search of the area was conducted by the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Special Services Unit and the Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue (SAR) team.  Remains were located and were tentatively identified as being animal remains. They have been collected by the Humboldt County Coroner’s Office and are scheduled to be examined by an anthropologist to determine the origin.

This case is an active investigation.  No further information will be released at this time.

Anyone with information about this case or related criminal activity is encouraged to call the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office at (707) 445-7251 or the Sheriff’s Office Crime Tip line at (707) 268-2539.

Earlier: [UPDATE 10:48 p.m.] Firefighters Respond to Fully Engulfed Structure Fire East of Bridgeville

Update: Human Remains Confirmed in Bridgeville Fire; Identification Pending DNA Testing