News

On 11/26/2020 at 12:28 P.M. Humboldt Bay Fire was dispatched to a structure fire in the 1400 Block of C Street. First arriving fire units found heavy smoke coming from the second floor of a two-story residential structure. A second alarm was requested due to the size and construction type of the structure.

Balloon-frame construction allows fire to spread through concealed spaces quickly. Fire personnel attacked the fire and searched the structure for any occupants that might still be inside. All occupants had self-evacuated and were located outside. One of the occupants was found to have minor injuries and was evaluated by fire personnel. The occupant declined further treatment.

Additional arriving units ventilated the structure as interior crews fought the fire. Eureka Police responded to assist as initial fire units were being hindered by traffic flow in the area. The immediate area around the 1400 Block C Street was shut down for approximately one hour.

Fire crews controlled the fire in fifteen minutes. The first floor had significant smoke and water damage with heavy fire damage on the second floor. Damage was estimated at $100,000. The cause of the fire was undetermined; however, an electrical malfunction is suspected at this time.

Humboldt Bay Fire wishes to thank Arcata Fire District, Samoa Fire District, and Loleta Fire District who responded to Eureka to assist with coverage of Humboldt Bay Fire’s area. The Red Cross was requested to assist with housing of five displaced occupants.

Humboldt Bay Fire would like to remind people to avoid areas with emergency vehicles with flashing lights. Several vehicles maneuvered around fire vehicles at the scene and jeopardized personnel who were engaged in firefighting operations.