Arcata Fire District release:

On Tuesday, July 2 at 1:38 A.M., the Arcata Fire District was dispatched to a commercial vehicle fire on HWY 299 at exit 3A.

The first arriving unit stated that it was not a vehicle on fire, but foam blocks covered in plastic on the side of the highway were heavily involved. The initial response only dispatched two engines and a duty officer, however additional resources were ordered immediately. Two water tenders were dispatched from Blue Lake Volunteer Fire and Fieldbrook Volunteer Fire as well as four additional engines from Humboldt Bay Fire, CalFire Trinidad, Westhaven Volunteer Fire and Kneeland Volunteer Fire as it appeared that the fire was spreading to nearby vegetation.

Arcata police was initially on scene, but called in units from Caltrans to assist with traffic control.

The fire was fought to the point that Kneeland’s engine was released to cover the Arcata station, and Westhaven’s engine was released to cover the Mad River station. Both cover engines ran medical calls and one small 5x5 fire call during their coverage of Arcata Fire’s stations.

Arcata Fire would like to extend our gratitude towards our mutual aid partners Humboldt Bay Fire, Blue Lake Volunteer Fire, Fieldbrook Volunteer Fire, Westhaven Volunteer Fire, CalFire Trinidad, Kneeland Volunteer Fire, Arcata Police and Caltrans.

The cause of the fire is currently unknown. This is a reminder to the community that with the rising temperatures and dried grasses, fire season is upon us. Use extreme caution this weekend if and when you choose to use fireworks, barbecues or bonfires, and always have a way to extinguish any small fires that may occur like an extinguisher or hose nearby.