[UPDATE] Large Fire Near Hoopa Sends Up Thick Black Smoke; Fire Truck Involved in Collision

Thick black smoke rises from a fire in the Hoopa area. [Screenshot from the ALERTCalifornia Bald Hill West camera]

Multiple callers reported a possible structure fire about 2:15 p.m. today near a laundromat in the northern Hoopa Valley area, according to scanner traffic.

Initial reports were unclear, with callers variously describing a “large fire,” a possible structure fire, and brush burning.

As firefighters responded, scanner traffic indicated the fire had spread to tires and involved full diesel tanks. Two loud explosions were reportedly heard during the incident, though it was unclear if they were directly related to the fire.

At approximately 2:38 p.m., scanner traffic also indicated a white GMC Sierra was involved in a collision with the Hoopa Wildland Fire truck* near Tish Tang Road and State Route 96. The incident was later updated by CHP as a no-injury traffic collision.

Later radio traffic indicated the fire had reached the fence line of a property and one family was evacuated.

Footage from the Bald Hills West ALERTCalifornia camera showed a large column of dark smoke rising from the area of the fire Saturday afternoon.

The situation remains developing and information from scanner traffic is preliminary and subject to change as officials confirm details.

UPDATE 3:21 p.m.: The smoke is dissipating indicating firefighters are getting a handle on the blaze. The fire is in the area of Marshall Lane.

UPDATE 5 p.m.: According to Hoopa Fire Department and Office of Emergency Services:

The HFI incident is currently underway in the back area along Marshall Lane and Big Hill Road, specifically within the HFI yard. Here are the key details:
– Location: HFI yard, near Marshall Lane/Big Hill Road
– Cause: Old tires, slash, and vegetation were found burning
– Response Efforts:
– Hand lines have been established to contain the fire
– Mop-up operations are in progress and are expected to be completed by 8 PM tonight
– Assistance: Volunteers have joined the Hoopa Wild land Fire Department in response to the incident, along with support from 6 Rivers
– Traffic Control: Humboldt County Sheriff and Tribal Police are on-site, with traffic being controlled at Big Hill and just past the HFI office entrance
Thank you to all responders and volunteers for their efforts in managing this incident safely. Further updates will follow as the situation evolves.

*Note: According to Hoopa VFD Chief Amos Pole, the CHP mistakenly reported that the VFD was involved in the no injury crash. Instead, it was a Hoopa Wildland Fire truck.