Crews Add 60 Acres to Huestis Rock Prescribed Burn Project

Posted on November 8, 2026 by Briceland Fire

On Friday, November 6, and Saturday, November 7, crews successfully treated approximately 60 acres of forest understory and pasture on the Huestis Rock project.

This was the third phase of prescribed fire treatment in this area. Initially, is was manually prepared for prescribed fire by the Briceland Fuels Module and Hybrid Indigenous Stewardship. The first burn entry took place in December 2025, reducing accumulated woody debris and moss in the oak trees. In June 2026, adjacent units were burned to help suppress invasive grasses and limit their spread.

This latest entry took advantage of favorable conditions to safely expand the treated area, while protecting the mature trees and continuing to build on the project’s long-term forest restoration and fire resiliency objectives.

Thanks again to all our partners, to the Humboldt County Resource Conservation District, Hybrid Indigenous Stewardship and The Wailaki Restoration Project, Southern Humboldt Volunteer Fire Departments, including Palo Verde, Salmon Creek, Telegraph Ridge, Whitethorn, Redway and Myers Flat Volunteer Fire Department. Additional support provided by the Humboldt County Prescribed Burn Association and CAL FIRE Humboldt-Del Norte Unit is again greatly appreciated.

The Huestis Rock Burn represents a collaborative effort among local fire agencies, landowners, and community organizations working together to restore the beneficial role of fire on the landscape and improve wildfire preparedness throughout Southern Humboldt. Funding for this has been provided by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection’s Forest Health Program, through the North Coast Resource Partnership, as part of the California Climate Investments Program.

For more information, visit the California Climate Investments website at: http://www.caclimateinvestments.ca.gov

More information about the Mail Ridge project can be found at: https://humboldtrcd.org/projects/wildfire-resiliency-planning-for-mail-ridge/

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Hansen Knob Prescribed Burn Planned in Salmon Creek

Posted on November 1, 2026 by Briceland Fire

Hansen Knob Prescribed Burn Planned in Salmon Creek and Myers Flat Area

Southern Humboldt County, CA — November 2026

Briceland Volunteer Fire Department, in partnership with the Humboldt County Resource Conservation District (HCRCD), the Humboldt County Prescribed Burn Association, member departments of Southern Humboldt Fire and Rescue, participating landowners and community partners are planning a prescribed burn on the Hansen Knob Project, located on the Chapman Ranch near Salmon Creek Rd.

Burn operations are tentatively scheduled for November 2nd, 2026, pending favorable weather conditions, fuel moisture, staffing availability, and regulatory approval. Exact ignition dates and operational periods will be determined based on conditions that support safe and effective burning.

This 43 acre prescribed burn is designed to improve rangeland and forest health and support long-term stewardship objectives on private lands. By strategically applying low-intensity fire under carefully monitored conditions, project partners aim to reduce the risk of future high-severity wildfires while promoting healthy ecosystem function.

Residents in the area may observe smoke, fire personnel, equipment, and temporary increases in traffic during burn operations. Smoke impacts are expected to be short-term and will be monitored throughout the project. Every effort will be made to minimize impacts to nearby communities while achieving project objectives.

Prescribed burning is conducted under strict safety protocols and coordinated among trained fire personnel, landowners, and partner organizations. Operations will only proceed when weather and site conditions meet established prescription parameters.

The Hansen Knob Burn represents a collaborative effort among local fire agencies, landowners, and community organizations working together to restore the beneficial role of fire on the landscape and improve wildfire preparedness throughout Southern Humboldt. Funding for this has been provided by a USDA Forest Service Landscape Scale Restoration (LSR) Grant.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/private-land/landscape-scale-restoration

 

 

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Briceland Fire Goes Solar

Posted on October 7, 2026 by Briceland Fire

The Tim Olsen Memorial Fire Station is getting a major energy upgrade!

Thanks to funding through the California Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation (LCI), in partnership with the Redwood Coast Energy Authority (RCEA), and the installation work of Stephens Electrical, Briceland Volunteer Fire Department is adding solar generation and battery storage to our fire station.

Southern Humboldt has played a significant role in the national story of renewable energy and many of our Briceland neighbors have a long history of adapting to life off the grid. From the earliest plans for the new station, incorporating solar power into its design was a natural fit with both our community and our surroundings.

Critically, our new battery storage system will provide backup power during electrical grid outages, helping keep the fire station operational when our community needs emergency services most. In an area where power outages can accompany wildfire, severe weather, and other emergencies, the ability to generate and store electricity on site adds another layer of resilience to our emergency response.

This project is part of LCI’s Energy-Resilient Fire Services in High-Threat Communities initiative, a $3 million investment led by Redwood Coast Energy Authority to help fire stations across the North Coast maintain critical operations during emergencies. The initiative includes partnerships with fire departments and Tribal fire agencies throughout the region, including Briceland Volunteer Fire Department.

LCI recently highlighted the project during a joint Regional Resilience Grant Program and Adaptation Planning Grant Program site visit to Humboldt County. Altogether, LCI has invested $4.68 million in climate adaptation and resilience projects across California’s North Coast, supporting projects focused on energy resilience, wildfire prevention, climate adaptation, and community preparedness.

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Three Days of Prescribed Burning on Mail Ridge

Posted on October 5, 2026 by Briceland Fire

The Mail Ridge Wildfire Resilience Project makes a major leap in progress with three consecutive days of Prescribed Burning.

Thank you to all our partners that came together to make this possible starting with the Humboldt County Resource Conservation District that is leading the project. Briceland VFD was joined by a long list of essential partners, including Hybrid Indigenous Stewardship and The Wailaki Restoration Project, Southern Humboldt Volunteer Fire Departments, including Palo Verde, Telegraph Ridge, Whale Gulch, Shelter Cove, Petrolia, Honeydew, Whitethorn, Redway, Phillipsville and Myers Flat. Additional support provided by the Humboldt County Prescribed Burn Association and CalFire Humboldt-Del Norte Unit is again greatly appreciated.

Following months of site preparation work by the Briceland Fuels Crew and Hybrid Indigenous Stewardship, weather conditions and resource availability aligned to conduct effective burning of 90 acres of meadow, oak and fir forest along one mile of Mail Ridge. Ignitions began on Wednesday, Sept 30th near a stand of ancient live oak on a hilltop just south of the intersection of Dyersville Loop and Fort Seward Rd. and crews returned for three additional days of work, finishing ignitions Friday evening, Oct 2nd. Firefighters remained on site each night and into the weekend to patrol and ensure all burning was within established control lines.

This work is part of a strategic shaded fuel break along Mail Ridge, removes ladder fuels, limits fir encroachment in the oak woodlands, provides protection from higher intensity wildfires and will help improve overall forest health. It also will support containment of future prescribed burns on the slope below.

Funding for the Southern Humboldt Forest Health Project is provided by CAL FIRE’s Forest Health Program, as part of California Climate Investments. California Climate Investments is a statewide program that puts billions of Cap-and-Invest dollars to work reducing GHG emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment – particularly in disadvantaged communities. The Cap-and-Invest program also creates a financial incentive for industries to invest in clean technologies and develop innovative ways to reduce pollution. California Climate Investments projects include affordable housing, renewable energy, public transportation, zero-emission vehicles, environmental restoration, more sustainable agriculture, recycling, and much more. At least 35 percent of these investments are located within and benefiting residents of disadvantaged communities, low- income communities, and low-income households across California. 

For more information, visit the California Climate Investments website at: http://www.caclimateinvestments.ca.gov

More information about the Mail Ridgeproject can be found at: https://humboldtrcd.org/projects/wildfire-resiliency-planning-for-mail-ridge/

#CAClimateInvestments #CALFIRE_ForestHealth

(https://www.fire.ca.gov/what-we-do/grants/forest-health)

(https://humboldtrcd.org)

(https://bricelandfire.org/)

(https://humboldtgov.org/FireSafeCouncil)

(https://treesfoundation.org)

(https://www.nativehealthinnativehands.org)

(https://his-services.org)

Posted in BVFD work beyond Briceland., Prescribed Burning | Leave a comment

Vegetation Fire on Ferren Rd in Briceland

Posted on October 5, 2026 by Briceland Fire

On Saturday,  September 26th at 2:31pm, Briceland Fire responded to a report of a vegetation fire in the area of Ferren Rd. in Briceland.

The first emergency responder on scene was Fire Captain Roomets, who assumed IC and gave a report on conditions to the Fortuna Emergency Command Center. At this point, approximately half an acre of forest and grass were on fire, with tree torching. Additional firefighters arrived swiftly with our Type 6 Engine 5446 to find flames spreading aggressively from the landscape into a residence. It was confirmed that no one was in the home and CalFire engines and air support assisted to stop the blaze from spreading further into the wildland. Unfortunately, the intensity of the fire in the structure was too great for firefighting efforts to save it and crews worked late into the evening to extinguish residual heat.

The Flat Fire was contained late that evening at just over 1 acre. The cause of the fire may have been related to a initial report of a power tool malfunction, but is still under investigation. Briceland VFD would like to remind people that using tools outdoors can ignite dry vegetation. It is always recommended to have a fire extinguisher or water hose ready at hand to avoid sparking a wildfire.

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Mail Ridge Prescribed Burn Planned This Week

Posted on September 28, 2026 by Briceland Fire

Ft. Seward, CA – September 29, 30 and October 1, 2026 – Briceland Fire, in cooperation with Ft. Seward Ranch and regional partners from members of Southern Humboldt Fire and Rescue, the Humboldt County Prescribed Burn Association and CalFire, will conduct a prescribed burn on the Pepperwood unit along Dyerville Loop Road at Ft. Seward Road. The project will treat approximately 90 acres of oak woodland to improve fire resiliency and support long-term habitat restoration. Operations may extend up to three days, depending on weather and site conditions.

Location: Dyerville Loop Rd @ Ft Seward Rd
Target Acreage: 90 acres
Target Dates: Sept. 29, 30 and Oct. 1
Ignition Time: Approximately 10:00 AM
Lead Agency: Briceland Fire

Smoke may be visible from Highway 101, Miranda, Phillipsville, Weott, and Salmon Creek. Minor traffic impacts on Dyerville Loop Road are possible. While significant smoke impacts are unlikely, some evening drift toward Highway 254 may occur.

The Mail Ridge Wildfire Resilience Project marks the first implementation phase of a larger, landscape-scale effort spanning the 54-mile-long crest of Mail Ridge in Southern Humboldt and northern Mendocino counties. Decades of fire exclusion and past management practices have increased the region’s vulnerability to catastrophic wildfire—threatening forest health, carbon storage, and ecosystem balance. This project is part of a broader effort to restore oak woodland health, reduce hazardous fuels, and improve wildfire resilience across the region. 

This project is being led by the Humboldt County Resource Conservation District in collaboration with multiple organizations including Briceland Fire, the Humboldt County Fire Safe Council, Trees Foundation, and Native Health in Native Hands and Hybrid Indigenous Stewardship. 

Funding for the Southern Humboldt Forest Health Project is provided by CAL FIRE’s Forest Health Program, as part of California Climate Investments.. California Climate Investments is a statewide program that puts billions of Cap-and-Invest dollars to work reducing GHG emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment – particularly in disadvantaged communities. The Cap-and-Invest program also creates a financial incentive for industries to invest in clean technologies and develop innovative ways to reduce pollution. California Climate Investments projects include affordable housing, renewable energy, public transportation, zero-emission vehicles, environmental restoration, more sustainable agriculture, recycling, and much more. At least 35 percent of these investments are located within and benefiting residents of disadvantaged communities, low- income communities, and low-income households across California.

For more information, visit the California Climate Investments website at: http://www.caclimateinvestments.ca.gov

More information about the Mail Ridgeproject can be found at: https://humboldtrcd.org/projects/wildfire-resiliency-planning-for-mail-ridge/

#CAClimateInvestments #CALFIRE_ForestHealth

(https://www.fire.ca.gov/what-we-do/grants/forest-health)

(https://humboldtrcd.org)

(https://bricelandfire.org/)

(https://humboldtgov.org/FireSafeCouncil)

(https://treesfoundation.org)

(https://www.nativehealthinnativehands.org)

(https://his-services.org)

 

Posted in BVFD work beyond Briceland., Prescribed Burning, Southern Humboldt Fire & Rescue | Leave a comment

Posted on September 21, 2026 by Briceland Fire

Thank you for everyone who came to enjoy the good food, music and company at our annual fundraiser at the Beginnings Octagon this Saturday! Community support makes it all possible!

Posted in Fundraising | Leave a comment

Two Fires, Two SoHum Strike Teams in Big Sur

Posted on September 4, 2026 by Briceland Fire

Recently, the cooperation and teamwork of Southern Humboldt Fire Departments reached another historic milestone with responses by not one, but two simultaneous Strike Team deployments, one “Foxtrot” and one “Charlie” to major wildfires along the central California coast near Big Sur.

On August 23rd, type 6 engines from Briceland, Whitethorn, Telegraph Ridge, Palo Verde and Petrolia headed south to rendezvous with Strike Team leader (STEN) Brian Davis and trainee Kurt Nylander from Napa Fire. This was the 2nd assignment for the 2075F Strike Team, but marked the first time all five engines and crew were Southern Humboldt Fire and Rescue member departments, including a 1st time deployment for Petrolia Fire.

Appropriately, 2075F was assigned to Division F on the Timber Fire, and was tasked with structure protection in some of the most difficult to access areas in the steep and rugged terrain. Additionally, when the base camp at Pfeiffer State Park was itself threatened with being drawn into the fire, our crews maintained the defensive hoselay along the main roadway.

When the Plaskett Fire broke out just to the south of Big Sur, a 2nd Strike Team from Southern Humboldt prepared a response. On Aug 31st, type 3 engines from Briceland, Shelter Cove, Myer’s Flat, Salmon Creek and Redway assembled to form Strike Team 2026C led by STEN Nick Pape.

Both 2075F and 2076C are currently working on the Plaskett Fire, which has now grown larger than the Timber in the passing of just a few days due to the difficult access and dry fuel conditions in the wilderness areas inland of the coast.

Posted in BVFD work beyond Briceland., Southern Humboldt Fire & Rescue, Strike Teams | Leave a comment

Local Fire Stations Staffed by Volunteer Departments

Posted on August 22, 2026 by Briceland Fire

  With many CalFire and local government personnel and apparatus deployed to Hoopa for the MP18 Fire, Briceland VFD and other local departmentrs were called on to assist with ongoing local emergency response. Briceland Engine 5416 and a four person crew was assigned to the Bridgeville CalFire Station for several days and responded to numerous medical call while on duty there. One unusual walk-in emergency brought the crew a small puppy that had stopped breathing after being stung multiple times by bees. With their medical training and some improvisation, the crew administered oxygen with positive pressure and the puppy regained its breath and vitals, then was sent on to emergency veterinary care. After several days at Bridgeville, 5416 was reassigned to Thorn Station in Whitethorn.

To ensure our communities continued to have a local response capability while so many of our local volunteer firefighters and resources were assigned to the fire in Hoopa, an additional local coverage of the “Westside” (Hwy 101 to Shelter Cove) was established. Briceland Engine 5436 and engines from Whitethorn and Telegraph Ridge Volunteer Fire Departments were staffed by firefighters in 12-hour shifts.

This summer has been a good example of how mutual aid works at the local level. Our volunteer departments are willing to send firefighters and equipment wherever they are needed, but just as importantly, neighboring departments work together to make sure that when our people are away helping others, our own communities remain protected.

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BVFD Foxtrots to MP18 Fire in Hoopa

Posted on August 21, 2026 by Briceland Fire

On August 14th, Briceland Engine 5446 with a three person crew joined our first “Foxtrot” Strike Team; 2075F – bound for the MP18 Fire in Hoopa Valley. Type 6 engines are smaller, highly maneuverable fire engines designed for quick response and operations in areas where larger apparatus may have difficulty accessing. Their agility makes them particularly valuable for wildland fire operations and remote terrain. The team was composed of engines from Briceland, Whitethorn, Telegraph Ridge, Palo Verde, and Mendocino, led by Chief Chris Emmons from Arcata Fire. This was the first major out-of-district assignments for both Whitethorn and Palo Verde Volunteer Fire Departments, a major milestone in the development of Southern Humboldt Fire and Rescue.

Our team would end up working alongside Task Force “2075 Charlie” with Type 3 engines from Shelter Cove, Salmon Creek, Anderson Valley and a Water Tender from Redway Fire Protection District. With so many local volunteer firefighters and resources assigned outside the area, maintaining emergency coverage at home became an important priority. To ensure our communities continued to have a local response capability, an additional “Westside” coverage was established and staffed in 12-hour shifts by firefighters from Briceland, Whitethorn, and Telegraph Ridge Volunteer Fire Departments.

This summer has been a good example of how mutual aid works at the local level. Our volunteer departments are willing to send firefighters and equipment wherever they are needed, but just as importantly, neighboring departments work together to make sure that when our people are away helping others, our own communities remain protected.

Thanks go out to all local supporters of our Southern Humboldt departments. Special Thank You to District 1 Senator Mike McGuire for his efforts to bring the California State funding allocated to purchase 10 new Type 6 engines for volunteer fire departments including Briceland, Garberville, Palo Verde, Telegraph Ridge, and Whitethorn in southern Humboldt as well as Covelo, Laytonville, Leggett, Piercy and Westport in northern Mendocino county.

Posted in BVFD work beyond Briceland., Southern Humboldt Fire & Rescue | Leave a comment