Two U-Haul Trucks Destroyed in Early Morning Fire in Arcata

Two U-Haul box trucks were destroyed in a fire early this Friday, morning near Heindon Road in Arcata. According to the Arcata Fire District, crews were dispatched just after 1 a.m. to reports of a vehicle fire near Giuntoli Lane and Janes Road. Firefighters from the nearby Mad River station arrived to find heavy smoke and flames coming from the 1900 block of Heindon Road, parallel to Highway 101.

The fire had fully engulfed one U-Haul box truck and had spread to a second truck parked beside it. As crews began fire suppression efforts, several tires exploded. One truck’s gas tank ruptured, spreading burning fuel between the two vehicles.

Firefighters from a second engine company joined the effort, using both water and dry chemical extinguishers to contain the blaze and prevent further spread. Officials noted that fuel floating on water can worsen fire conditions, and the use of dual suppression agents helped control the incident.

An investigation was conducted at the scene. While the exact cause remains undetermined, officials believe the fire began in the space between the two trucks—not from the vehicles themselves.

No injuries were reported. The total estimated loss is $130,000.