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Updated press release from the Six Rivers National Forest:

Dillon Fire Quick Facts:

• Acres: 3,110
• Containment: 0%
• Detection Date: August, 25, 2025
• Cause: Undetermined
• Crews: 4
• Engines: 10
• Helicopters: 2
• Fixed wing: 0

Leader’s Intent: The Dillon Fire is being managed with a full suppression strategy while emphasizing firefighter and public safety.

Operational Update: California Complex Incident Management Team 1 (CA-CIMT 1) will assume command of the Dillon Fire at 7:30 a.m. on Friday, August 29. Incident Command Post (ICP) will be established at 7:00 a.m. in Happy Camp, CA.

Additional crews and engines arrived overnight and into the early morning, with over 100 personnel arriving. Bulk of incident resources began focusing overnight in the direct of yesterday afternoon’s fire growth between Ti Bar residential area and Highway 96. Crews constructed fuel breaks between the community and various old dozer lines, with hose and hand lines being laid around new spot fires, in effort to ensure no immediate threat to structures. All structure protection actions held through the night. Plans are in place to engage in structure protection with firing operations on the north side of spot fire tonight.

The main fire has spotted across the river at Presidio Bar late Wednesday evening, growing into steep & remote terrain, requiring utilization of air resources to address growth. Main fire continues to slowly grow north and south. On the south edge of the main fire, crews continue to tie together containment lines along Beans Ridge by opening existing lines and building up to 1.5 miles of new line from the roadway to the river’s edge. Crews are planning to continue to build containment lines on south edge of main fire.

Evacuations: There are evacuation orders and warnings in effect in the immediate vicinity of the fire. For current evacuation status, please visit www.facebook.com/SiskiyouCountySheriff. Additional evacuation information and a map can be found on the Genasys site at https://protect.genasys.com

Closures: California State Highway 96 is currently open to intermittent one way-controlled traffic, depending on CalTrans availability; however, the public is advised to slow down, use caution, and expect minor delays with the increased firefighter presence and resource arrival to the area.

Recreation sites of Dillon Creek Campground, Beans Camp, and Ti Bar River Access have been closed for wildfire suppression activities and public safety.

Weather & Fire Behavior: As of Wednesday evening, fire behavior has been observed to include running, flanking, spotting and backing. Fuels are unusually dry, and spots fires have established quickly and have been resistant to control. The fire will continue to spread south towards Orleans, and west towards the Gasquet-Orleans (GO) road. Threats to the community of Ti Bar are ongoing and suppression of the spot fire has proven difficult.

Over the past week, a storm system passed over northern California which resulted in over 4,000 lightning strikes. Now as the storm system dissipates, the local area will experience a warming and drying period which may last over the next week. This warming and drying pattern will impact overnight fuels recoveries and extend the burning period.

Fire Safety & Prevention: As fire engines and fire crews arrive to the area, residents are reminded to drive with caution and allow extra travel time, while also respecting posted safety speed limits as well as possible road closures.

As the holiday weekend draws near, the public is reminded to use caution with anything that can spark a wildfire; Remember, spark safety, not wildfires. Ensure campfires are dead out and cool to the touch before leaving, trailer chains are properly secured and not dragging, and tires are properly inflated and in good condition before driving. Any visitors recreating in the area should be aware of potential changing road or recreation site closures due to wildfire suppression.

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Press release from Six Rivers National Forest, as of last night at 10 p.m.:

Fire Information: (707) 502-4837
Email: 2025_CASRF_Dillon@firenet.gov
Online Fire Information: www.linktr.ee/srffirepio

Dillon Fire Quick Facts:

• Acres: 2,134
• Containment: 0%
• Detection Date: August 25, 2025

Leader’s Intent: The Dillon Fire is being managed with a full suppression strategy emphasizing firefighter and public safety.

Operational Update: California Team 1 (CA-CIMT 1) will assume command of the Dillon Fire at 0730 on Friday, August 29.

Crews on the Dillon Fire continued their impressive initial attack activity while handling low resource availability due to a staggering spike in lightning strikes and ignitions across the Northern Operations region. Resources are beginning to arrive and will continue to over the coming days.

The fire spotting across the Klamath River occurred Tuesday afternoon just northwest of the Ti Bar residence area. The spot fire has been broken in half by old dozer line, with south edge initially kept in check with hose line laid throughout the night. As the day progressed, wind increased, causing multiple spot fires. The bulk of current resources are being utilized to go direct on the spot and doing structure protection.

On the south side of the fire is the Beans Ridge system and GO Road. Progressing down the hill from the GO road fire management will be looking for strategic containment line opportunities.

While the northern edge fire moving towards Dillon Creek is currently unstaffed due to lack of resources, plans are in place to review possibilities for control features as more firefighting resources arrive.

Operational objectives moving forward include going direct on the spot fire across the river and keeping it off threatened structures, constructing dozer and hand line along the Beans ridge system, and maintaining fire perimeter south of Dillon creek drainage.

Incident leadership is utilizing full suppression tactics with a combination of ground and aerial resources to minimize the fire to as small of footprint as possible. The primary objective is prioritizing the protection of structures in Ti Bar residence area on the east side of the river, with 25 structures under immediate threat from spot fires. Potential fire growth could see impacts and threats to 75 structures. Further leadership priority objectives include the protection of valuable and sensitive cultural resources in the vicinity of the fire and the minimization of impacts on the vital watershed and other recreational and natural resources.

Evacuations: There are evacuation orders and warnings in effect in the immediate vicinity of the fire. For current evacuation status, visit this link. Additional evacuation information and a map can be found on the Genasys site at this link.

Closures: California State Highway 96 is currently open to one way-controlled traffic; however, the public is advised to slow down, use caution, and expect minor delays with the increased firefighter presence and resource arrival to the area. Recreation sites of Dillon Creek Campground, Beans Camp, and Ti Bar River Access have been closed for wildfire suppression activities and public safety.

Weather & Fire Behavior: Over the past week, a storm system passed over northern California which resulted in over 4,000 lightning strikes. Now as the storm system dissipates, the local area will experience a warming and drying period which may last over the next week. This warming and drying pattern will impact overnight fuels recoveries and extend the burning period. Overall, the fire has been, and will continue to, exhibit active fire behavior - as observed by the 200-acre growth in 30 minutes on the first day of the incident.

Fire Safety & Prevention: Smoke will continue to drift into the Orleans Valley and the communities around Happy Camp from the Dillon Fire, as well as multiple fires on the Klamath NF. For those sensitive to smoke, stay inside until it is clear. Close windows and doors to help prevent smoke from entering your home and use an air purifier/AC (on re-circulate) if available. If going outside, wear a mask to filter pollutants.

As the holiday weekend draws near, the public is reminded to use caution with anything that can spark a wildfire. Ensure campfires are dead out and cool to the touch before leaving, trailer chains are properly secured and not dragging, and tires are properly inflated and in good condition before driving. Any visitors recreating in the area should be aware of potential changing road or recreation site closures due to wildfire suppression.

Vega.

Press release from the U.S. Postal Service:

On Saturday, August 30, 2025, Arcata carrier Richard Vega will clock in for the very last time after 41 years of Postal Service and 47 years of combined Federal service.

He won’t be leaving without a party though, there will be a special send-off at the Arcata Post Office, 799 H Street, Arcata CA 95521, Friday, August 29, at 9:00 a.m.

Vega started his Postal Career in 1984 as a carrier at the Oakland Post Office after completing his service in the Army.

Vega later transferred to the Benicia Post Office where he served until coming to his final assignment at the Arcata Post Office in 2016.

Over the course of his career Vega witnessed a lot of change with an increase in package volume and enhancement in automation.

He is also the proud recipient of the Million Mile award.

The Million Mile award is a lifetime enrollment, and it is given to drivers who have accumulated one-million miles or 30 years of driving without being involved in a single preventable motor vehicle accident.

He will miss many aspects of his career, but for Vega it is the act of helping his customers he will miss the most.

“I thoroughly enjoyed being of service to the community. I will miss the joy of delivering that special birthday gift to a child and the opportunity to comfort my customers in difficult times,” said Vega.

In his next chapter Vega looks forward to spending time with his family and continuing his focus on service by volunteering his time in the community as a newly certified minister.

Noman Kent Perkins
April 6, 1942 – August 17, 2025

Noman was born in Woodland, Washington, and lived most of his life in Northern California and Humboldt County. He worked in various lumber mills and spent his days hunting, fishing, and cutting firewood. His true place was always in the mountains or along the riverbanks.

Family was very important to Noman. He is survived by his wife of over 40 years, Judy; his sister, Erma (Corky); and his daughters Kim, Amy, and Rhonda. He also leaves behind many grandchildren: Dustin, Dakota, Daniel, Destiny, Davian, Mikie, Kara, Veronica, Anthony, Ashley, Tyler, Austin, Justin, Tayia, Lacey, Kylee, and adopted grandson Jose. His great-grandchildren include Willow (Willy), Wrenly (Odie), Henry, Finn, River Lynn, Carter, Michael, Isaac, Lynsie, Theo, Levi Noman (named after Noman), Tidus, and two more on the way. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Gladys; his sisters Elaine and Wanda; his brothers Herman, Tommy, Jim, and Buddy; his daughter Christina; and his grandsons Jesse and Dale Wayne.

Noman shared a special bond with his in-laws Janis and Jeff Cossairt. The family would also like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to Karlie and Dustin Page for the love and care they gave Noman over the past five years. He appreciated you more than words could ever express.

Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life on October 10, 2025, from 12–2 p.m. at 4316 Union St, Eureka, CA 95503. His ashes will be scattered at Fern Camp, Trinity County/Ruth, on October 11, 2025.

RSVP:

Janis – 707-273-9626
Judy – 360-853-6925

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Press release from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife:

The California Fish and Game Commission has revoked the commercial fishing licenses and permits of two fishermen after extensive histories of violations in the lobster and Dungeness crab fisheries.

At its June 11-12, 2025, meeting, the Commission – acting on California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) recommendations – revoked the commercial fishing license and lobster operator permit of Christopher James Miller, 68, of Santa Barbara, and the commercial fishing license and Dungeness crab permit of Ronald Ghera, 45, of Fortuna. 

Miller’s violations, spanning a decade, included abandoning 156 lobster traps around Santa Barbara and the Northern Channel Islands, leaving traps in the water after the season closure, failing to retrieve baited traps and filing inaccurate catch records.

Ghera’s record included abandoning 94 crab traps after the 2023 season and 74 after the 2024 season, failing to service traps within the required 96 hours, failing to submit mandatory reports, and fishing with untagged traps and improperly marked buoys.

“The majority of people who fish commercially are law-abiding and care about our fisheries,” said Nathaniel Arnold, Chief of the CDFW Law Enforcement Division. “There are a few individuals, however, who choose to partake in commercial poaching. These individuals will eventually be caught and will likely lose the privilege to commercially fish in this state through either criminal or administrative actions.”

CDFW emphasizes that compliance with commercial fishing regulations – particularly removing traps at the end of each season—is essential. Those who abandon traps not only endanger marine mammals and other wildlife that can become trapped or entangled in derelict gear, but they can also cause shortened fishing seasons for law-abiding fishers who depend on those opportunities for their livelihood.

Whether it’s hunting, recreational fishing, or commercial fishing, the privilege to harvest California’s fish and wildlife requires a high degree of mutual trust between the public and law enforcement. CDFW’s wildlife officers are entrusted with protecting the state’s marine fish and wildlife species by patrolling and enforcing the law along California’s 840-mile coastline, and together with the California Fish and Game Commission, will continue to review violations of commercial fishing cases and take decisive administrative action to prevent bad actors from further harming California’s ocean environment.

See something serious? Report it and help protect California’s fish and wildlife. You can:

• Call CalTIP at (888) 334-2258 – available 24/7
• Text “CALTIP” + your message to 847411 (tip411).
• Download the CalTIP app from Apple’s App Store or Google Play to send tips anonymously.

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At last night’s special meeting, the Eureka City Council unanimously voted to send a letter asking CalPERS, the state’s public pension fund, to pull investments that support the “ongoing military occupation and genocide of the Palestinian people.” 

The letter — linked here — urges the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) Board of Directors to “divest from all companies and bonds that enable, facilitate, and profit from weapons manufacturing and human rights violations, in particular, violations of international law, military occupation, apartheid, and genocide.”

“CalPERS has the opportunity to stand on the right side of history and set a powerful example for other institutions,” the letter states. “We can and must use our financial power to exert pressure that could help end the suffering of the Palestinian people and others around the world who are subjected to violence. We urge you to act swiftly and decisively.”

The letter received unanimous support from the two dozen people who spoke during the public comment portion of the meeting, many of whom wore a Palestinian keffiyeh, a black-and-white checkered scarf that’s become an international symbol of the pro-Palestine cause.

“We — as a socially responsible community committed to justice and human rights and dismantling the ongoing legacies of settler colonialism — have got to do everything that we can, everything in our power, to stand up against these violations that Israel is committing,” said local educator Alice Finen. “I know that people are commenting that you need to focus on problems that are right here in the community, and I have got to say that Israel is our problem. We send them billions of dollars every year.”

Several other speakers identified themselves as “anti-Zionist Jews” against genocide.

“The Jewish people were refugees for hundreds of years after the Roman wars and the destruction of the temple in the first century,” said one speaker, who only identified themselves as Lev. “Now, the State of Israel has caused millions of Palestinians to become refugees, and much, much worse. To make refugees of another people is one of the most evil and most un-Jewish things that a country can do. City council, please act in favor of CalPERS divestment.”

Councilmember G. Mario Fernandez made a motion to approve the letter shortly after public comment. Councilmember Leslie Castellano seconded the action.

During the council’s discussion, Councilmember Renee Contreras-DeLoach asked to change a sentence in the letter that calls for CalPERS to “divest from all its assets and companies supporting Israeli apartheid and genocide.”

“It says ‘supporting Israeli apartheid and genocide,’ and I want to be careful with that, because ‘Israeli’ is referring to people, and there are people in Israel [who] do not support what’s happening right now,” she said. “I don’t want this being made about individual people.”

Councilmember Castellano agreed and expressed support for the letter, but acknowledged that it is a “symbolic act.” 

“I don’t want to move forward with this idea that we’re that this will have much of an effect on CalPERS in terms of their investment strategy or portfolio, though I do hope that people listen and they’re aware of this,” she said. “CalPERS has pretty strong stances around divestment, and policies that will make it unlikely that they will divest.”

Councilmember Fernandez also acknowledged the letter as a symbolic gesture, but said requesting divestment is “the bare minimum.” 

“The action to divest does carry fiscal implications, and the state itself should be investing in businesses that ethically benefit our state and its residents,” he said. “There’s, from my perspective, a difference in building for a common defense compared to building for profiteering, which is exactly what these funds are going to. For me, the moral imperative is to withdraw that financial support from the corporations that enable and benefit from the atrocities taking place.”

Councilmember Kati Moulton echoed her peers, adding that she has Jewish friends in Humboldt County who’ve been subjected to anti-Semitic threats “despite their opposition to the actions of the Israeli government.”

“We all deserve safety,” she said. “I just wanted to express support for the Jewish members of our community, whether they are vocal on this issue or not.”

After a bit of additional discussion, the council asked staff to add another line to the letter expressing the city’s opposition to war profiteering at large. Staff agreed, and the motion passed in a 4-0 vote, with Councilmember Scott Bauer absent.

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Press release from Redwood National and State Parks:

On Saturday, the 16th of August, an illegal garbage dump was discovered at Walker Road in the Jedediah Smith portion of Redwood National and State Parks. The refuse was found to contain materials removed from an apparent roofing project on a building of light green or seafoam color. The trash contained shingles, tar paper, old OSB board, siding and metal mesh and gutter trim. The dumpsite was located uphill near the Smith River. All of these materials contain chemicals dangerous to wildlife and flora within the local ecosystem.

Redwood National and State Parks requests public assistance with this issue by providing any information on possible suspects or links to possible sites where the materials originated from. If anyone has knowledge about possible suspects or where the materials may have come from, they are encouraged to call Ranger McKisson at 707-465-7455 or leave a tip anonymously at 707-465-7353.

Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On Aug 26 at about 4:56 a.m. Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the area of Harrison Ave. and Munson St., in Eureka  for the report of  a male and female loitering in the area and the sound of breaking glass.

 

While responding to the location deputies observed a male and female who matched the witness’s description rapidly walking on Myrtle Ave. at Dean St. Deputies contacted the two subjects, and they were identified as Christopher Michael Bessant, 34 years old of Eureka and Summer Regina Kenyon, 34 years old of Eureka. 

 

After further investigation, which included witness statements and video surveillance footage both Bessant and Kenyon were placed under arrest.

 

Bessant was arrested on the following charges:

• P.C. 460(B) Second degree burglary
• P.C. 182(A)(1) Conspiracy to commit a crime
• P.C. 466 Possession of burglary tools
• H.S. 11377(A) Possession of a controlled substance
• H.S. 11364 (A) Possession of drug paraphernalia 

 

Kenyon was arrested on the following charges:

• P.C. 460(B) Second degree burglary
• P.C. 182(A) Conspiracy to commit a crime
• H.S. 11364(A) Possession of drug paraphernalia

 

Both were transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility and booked on the above charges.

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.