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UPDATE 1:45 PM: Humboldt Bay Fire has provided additional information in the following news release:

On February 12th, 2024 at approximately 04:23am Humboldt Bay Fire responded to the report of a possible explosion with vehicles on fire at H and Second Street in Eureka. HBF responded with 1 Truck, and 1 Chief Officer. While en-route the Truck requested one additional Engine to respond.

The first unit arrived on scene and reported multiple vehicles on fire in an outdoor parking area. Fire personnel made entry through the locked gate and began setting up for fire suppression. The second arriving engine assisted with fire attack. The fire had damaged several other vehicles before fire control was obtained. The fire was controlled about an hour after the initial dispatch. Crews remained on scene until approximately 06:20 a.m.

After the fire was extinguished HBF investigators assisted CHP with the initial investigation. There is an active investigation going on at this time and HBF can not speculate as to the cause of the fire. Total estimated property damage value is $250,000. There was no civilian or firefighter injuries.

Humboldt Bay Fire would like to remind everyone to report any and all suspicious activity. If you have any information regarding this incident please contact CHP Officer Aaron Telloian at (707)822-5981, additionally information can be sent via email to humboldt_area@chp.ca.gov. We would also like to thank EPD and CHP for their assistance during this incident.

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Original post:

It’s been tough to get much information from the local government offices involved in responding to the very burned-up vehicles parked outside of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife offices on Second Street in Eureka. 

As first reported on Redheaded Blackbelt, five or six government vehicles were found burned in the early morning hours Monday, even though they were parked behind a locked fence overnight. 

Calls and emails to CDFW, CalFire Humboldt Bay Fire and CHP went unreturned on Tuesday, but this morning CHP issued the following press release, which doesn’t tell us a whole lot more:

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is actively investigating the suspected arson of several Department of Fish and Wildlife vehicles at their offices located at 619 2nd St. in Eureka. This incident occurred in the early morning hours between 4:00 AM and 5:00 AM, on Monday February 12, 2024. 

Anyone who believes they may have information related to this investigation is encouraged to contact CHP Officer Aaron Telloian at the California Highway Patrol Humboldt Area office at 707-822-5981, or the non-emergency public dispatch line at 707-268-2000.  Additionally, information may be sent via email to Humboldt_Area@chp.ca.gov.

We understand there is an increased media interest into this investigation and additional details may be released as the investigation progresses.  All press inquiries may be forwarded to CHP Officer Paul Craft at pcraft@chp.ca.gov.