The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office issued a statement minutes ago asking community members to stay out of vicinity of the Knob fire after the U.S. Forest Service reported numerous civilians interfering with firefighting efforts.

The statement is seemingly in response to calls to action put out on social media by community members and from groups like the Humboldt County Growers Alliance — which issued its own statement earlier today claiming that firefighters were doing little to help protect cannabis farms on Friday Ridge Road.

In the statement, the HCGA called for community members to meet at the bottom of Titlow Hill at 11 a.m. From there, community members planned to caravan into the Friday Ridge area to help protect properties.

Read the full statements from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office and the Humboldt County Growers Alliance below.

Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

We have been receiving multiple reports from USFS of community members interfering with firefighting operations at the Knob Fire.

We understand the community’s want to help and defend neighborhoods. As well-intentioned this effort is, it is interfering with firefighting efforts and drawing needed resources away from the fire to ensure civilian safety.

No community groups have been authorized to access or conduct firefighting operations within the evacuation order zones. To be mobilized as a firefighting resource, you must be part of a state recognized agency. A great way to get involved is to join your local volunteer fire department. Do not attempt to bring in heavy equipment or pump river water to fight the Knob Fire. Please allow the firefighters to do their jobs. If you have questions about this or how you can help, please contact the USFS Incident Management Team who is coordinating resources for this fire at: 530-628-0039.

Today’s statement from the Humboldt County Growers Alliance:

Call to Action Willow Creek needs your help! The Knob Fire is getting dangerously close. They need assistance now. Chainsaws, extra blades and fuel, chippers, excavators, on the go meals, and abled bodied people with a good attitude.

Lindsey Jones from Aloha Humboldt is leading people into the Friday Ridge area of Willow Creek at 11 a.m. today. The meeting place to caravan is at the bottom of Titlow Hill. If you can’t make it now, no problem!

Directions are easy and there is cell service 90 percent of the way. Many of the farms on Friday Ridge Road have zero fire support. Cal Fire was at Emerald Queen for 10-minutes and left. If you can, show up. If you can’t, maybe make some sandwiches and send them in with someone that can. Willow Creek is working hard to save their community. Time is of the essence. Friday Ridge today through ….? Oak Knob/South Fork once Friday Ridge is secure.

Text Linsey Jones, Aloha Humboldt, 707-834-5375 or Ryan Jones, Aloha Humboldt, 707-834-5374.