How to resolve AdBlock issue?
Refresh this page
How to resolve AdBlock issue?
Refresh this page
Lake County News,California
  • Home
    • Registration Form
  • News
    • Education
    • Veterans
    • Community
      • Obituaries
      • Letters
      • Commentary
    • Police Logs
    • Business
    • Recreation
    • Health
    • Religion
    • Legals
    • Arts & Life
    • Regional
  • Calendar
  • Contact us
    • FAQs
    • Phones, E-Mail
    • Subscribe
  • Advertise Here
  • Login

Regional

Humboldt County sheriff proclaims local emergency related to Arcata fire

Details
Written by: Lake County News Reports
Published: 03 January 2026

NORTH COAST, Calif. — Humboldt County Sheriff William F. Honsal has proclaimed a local emergency due to the significant impact of the five-alarm structure fire involving multiple commercial buildings located between Tenth and H Streets in Arcata.

The structure fire occurred on Friday, Jan. 2, resulting in “a heroic multi-agency fire suppression operation,” Honsal’s office reported.

Thanks to coordinated efforts, officials said the fire was contained, and no injuries were reported, however, the fire resulted in catastrophic damage to private property, public property and infrastructure. 

Water runoff used to fight the fire, including runoff mixed with ash, debris, and potentially hazardous materials from building contents, now poses a threat to public health and safety. 

Runoff may cause impacts to environmental resources, including storm drains, nearby waterways, neighboring properties and water quality, with possible downstream impacts to aquaculture operations, fisheries and sensitive aquatic habitats.

Assessing, containing and mitigating the potential environmental impacts will require more resources than the county of Humboldt and the city of Arcata currently have available. The situation is significant enough that it requires additional response and recovery assistance from the State of California and its agencies.

A local emergency proclamation is a prerequisite to request state or federal assistance for response and recovery efforts related to this event.

Individuals who experienced fire damage to their home or business are strongly encouraged to work with their insurance provider(s) to file a claim for repairs. This emergency proclamation does not guarantee individual or financial assistance for damages incurred during the fire.

“The county of Humboldt’s thoughts are with those who have been affected by this event,” Honsal’s office said.

If you have been displaced as a result of this event, please call the American Red Cross at 707-496-8278 for assistance and resources.

Winter storm expected to impact weekend travel across Sierra Nevada

Details
Written by: Lake County News Reports
Published: 03 January 2026
Caltrans is alerting motorists about the next round of winter weather that is expected to impact travel across the Sierra Nevada.
The National Weather Service forecast calls for 1 to 2 feet of snow above 5,000 feet and 2 to 5 feet above 6,000 feet, with wind gusts up to 55 miles per hour. 
A winter storm warning is in effect through 4 p.m. Monday, Jan. 5. 
Motorists are encouraged to avoid travel through the Sierra Nevada if possible. If motorists must travel through the Sierra Nevada, be prepared for chain controls, additional travel times and delays. 
Caltrans advises to ensure your vehicle has a full tank of gas or full charge, chains and extra supplies in the event of an emergency or if traffic is held for an extended period of time. Those supplies include but are not limited to extra snacks, water, a blanket and a flashlight.
The forecast calls for 2 to 3 inches of rain in the valley and Delta, and up to 6 inches of rain in the foothills. 
The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory for the northern edge of the valley through 4 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 4, with sustained winds of 15 to 25 miles per hour and gusts of 35 to 45 miles per hour expected.
Motorists traveling in the valley should be prepared for wet weather, additional travel times and delays. 
Caltrans advises that vehicles have properly functioning headlights and windshield wipers and not to drive through flooded roads.
For additional information, motorists are encouraged to check the NWS forecast for any updates and Caltrans’ QuickMap before traveling for current road conditions and chain requirements or download the QuickMap app from the App Store or Google Play. Road information is also available on Caltrans’ website or by calling the California Highway Information Network automated phone service at 1-800-427-ROAD (7623).

Willows burglary suspect found dead following standoff

Details
Written by: LAKE COUNTY NEWS REPORTS
Published: 03 January 2026

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA — The Glenn County Sheriff’s Office said it’s investigating a Friday incident that began with a burglary and ended with a standoff in which the suspect was found dead.

The agency said it responded to a call for a possible burglary located at an apartment complex on South Tehama Street in Willows on Friday, Jan. 2, at 2:25 p.m.

Deputies responded and upon initial clearing of the apartment, a shot was fired by a suspect barricaded in the bathroom.

Deputies were unable to communicate with the suspect and contacted the Butte County Sheriff’s Office to request the regional SWAT team to assist with the barricaded subject. 

Residents in the area were placed under a shelter in place and road blocks were put into place around the 200 block of South Tehama during the incident.

Butte County SWAT deployed and was unable to successfully communicate with the suspect. 

Upon entry, the suspect was found deceased.

The shelter in place order has been lifted for the area.

The Glenn County Sheriff’s Office said the incident is under investigation. The name of the suspect has so far not been released.

New traffic light in operation at State Route 32 and County Road P in Glenn County

Details
Written by: Lake County News reports
Published: 01 January 2026
The new stoplight at State Route 32 and County Road P near Orland, California. Photo courtesy of Caltrans. 

GLENN COUNTY, Calif. — Caltrans reported that the newly installed traffic signal at the intersection of State Route 32 and County Road P in Glenn County was activated on Wednesday and is now fully operational.

Drivers traveling through the intersection should be alert to the new traffic pattern and obey all signal indications.

The signal installation is part of a safety improvement effort to improve traffic operations and reduce collisions along the SR 32 corridor between Orland and Hamilton City. 

The project also included shoulder work, pavement improvements, Americans with Disabilities Act upgrades and roadway striping.

Caltrans District 3 is responsible for maintaining and operating 4,385 lane miles in 11 Sacramento Valley and Northern Sierra counties. 

Caltrans reminds motorists to “Be Work Zone Alert” and slow in construction zones for the safety of travelers and crews performing these improvements.

Caltrans issues construction and road condition updates on X @CaltransDist3 and on Facebook at CaltransDistrict3. For real-time traffic information, click on Caltrans’ QuickMap quickmap.dot.ca.gov/ or download the QuickMap app from the App Store or Google Play.

  1. Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office announces $20,000 reward in 1991 missing person case
  2. Multiple arrests made in statewide organized retail theft investigation
  3. Governor announces $50,000 reward payout in Solano murder, rewards for other cold cases in Alameda and San Diego counties
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10
How to resolve AdBlock issue?
Refresh this page