Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On August 8, 2026, at approximately 5:07 p.m., Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to a residence in the 1900 block of Pine Creek Road in Hoopa for a report of a physical altercation between two male subjects.

Upon arrival, deputies intervened in the altercation and detained 52-year-old Hoopa resident Aaron James Pole.

According to witness statements, Pole had arrived at the residence and refused to leave the property. Prior to the altercation, witnesses reported seeing Pole near the Hoopa Rodeo Grounds and the river bar, where a small vegetation fire was burning. Witnesses reported that Pole was attempting to accelerate the spread of the fire with his hands.

The fire was quickly extinguished by the Karuk Fire Department, which had been staged at the Hoopa Wildland Fire Department, while Hoopa Wildland Fire personnel were actively engaged in firefighting operations on the Milepost 18 Fire.

Based on witness statements and evidence collected during the investigation, Pole was arrested and transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility, where he was booked on the following charges:

  • P.C. 451(d)-Arson
  • P.C. 148(a)(1)-Obstruct/Resist Peace Officer
  • P.C. 240-Assault
  • P.C. 978.5 – Bench Warrant/Failure to Appear

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the community members who reported this incident and provided information that assisted deputies.

The Sheriff’s Office has also received reports of other suspected arson fires in the Hoopa Valley. We remain committed to thoroughly investigating these incidents and holding those responsible accountable. Anyone with information related to arson fires in the Valley is encouraged to contact the Hoopa Valley Tribal Police Department or the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff’s deputies are actively investigating both the Mile Post 16 Fire and the ongoing Mile Post 18 Fire while continuing to support firefighting operations, public safety efforts, and the protection of residents in the surrounding area.

Anyone with information about this case or related criminal activity is encouraged to call the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office at (707) 445-7251 or the Sheriff’s Office Crime Tip line at (707) 268-2539.