Preliminary reports indicate explosion near Tractor Supply involved fireworks not approved for use in California

On the morning of November 4, 2026, Arcata Fire District personnel, along with Arcata-Mad River Ambulance, the Arcata Police Department, and the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office, responded to a reported explosion involving injuries along the Mad River riverbank near Tractor Supply.

Initial reports provided conflicting information regarding the victim's location, prompting emergency personnel to respond to both sides of the river to locate the individual.

Personnel assigned to Arcata Fire District Engine 8218 located the patient and identified injuries to the hands and legs consistent with exposure to an explosion. Firefighters provided immediate medical care, including the application of tourniquets to control bleeding.

Preliminary reports indicated that the incident involved fireworks that were not approved for use in California and reportedly malfunctioned, resulting in an explosion. The circumstances surrounding the incident have not been independently confirmed by Arcata Fire District.

Following initial treatment, the patient was transferred to Arcata-Mad River Ambulance personnel and transported to a local hospital for further medical care.