On Saturday, seven small fires broke out on the river bar below the Hoopa Rodeo Grounds. Firefighters contained the blazes and the Hoopa Fire Department investigated them. The department suspects a combination of arson and fireworks for the cluster of nearby fires, in a hot spot for arsonists.

The two largest fires, called Rodeo Grounds 2 and Rodeo Grounds 3, reached 22.5 acres — but the rest were halted at less than an acre by firefighters.

“Some were fireworks and some were probably arson,” said Ralph Brown, Hoopa Wildland Fire Department Division Chief.

The fires started early in the morning on a record-breaking day for heat in the valley. On July 6, Hoopa reached 114 degrees, breaking the calendar day record last set in 2002, according to the National Weather Service in Eureka which has data for the last 25-30 years.

The first fire was reported around 5:30 a.m., and Brown estimated that the fires were all mopped up around 1 p.m. Saturday. Recently, brush and dried grass was cut in the area, though the heatwave is preventing the department from doing fuel reduction work to limit the risk of heat stroke.

“We have so much arson here the department purchased cameras out for the hot zones, so we can catch ‘em,” said Brown. The fires Saturday weren’t captured by the cameras but he said that they can see vehicles that drive nearby and fires at the hot-spot areas have gone down since the cameras were installed. This year, he estimated the department has responded to a few more fires than last year.

“Please be aware that the heat and fires experienced this morning pose a significant risk. If you observe any fire, please report it to HVT police. Additionally, if you notice any arson-related activity, please report it immediately. Stay safe and remain vigilant,” the Hoopa Fire Department and Office of Emergency Services said in a Facebook post.