Thick Black Smoke Rising Near Hoopa

Screengrab of images from ALERTCalifornia Bald Hills camera showing the Rice Incident as it is currently being called.

A large column of thick black smoke began rising near Hoopa this evening around 6:40 p.m. as seen on the ALERTCalifornia Bald Hills camera. Early reports indicated what appeared to be a structure fire, with flames possibly spreading into nearby vegetation. This is being called the Rice Incident.

FlightRadar24 also showed CAL FIRE Air Tactical aircraft, CFR 651, an air attack based out of Kneeland, departing around 7:06 p.m. heading toward the area.

A nearby resident reported hearing multiple small explosions and seeing smoke in the area of Rice Lane which is a gravel road off Marshall Lane.

Screengrab of the ALERTCalifornia Camera.

We’ll continue following this developing story and update as more information becomes available.

If you’re in the area and can safely provide photos or information, send them to [email protected] or message the Redheaded Blackbelt Facebook page.