Three people died in a fire at a multi-unit housing complex on Chestnut Place in Arcata last night.
According to a release from the Arcata Fire District, crews from multiple agencies were dispatched to the 2500 block around 11:15 p.m. after receiving initial reports indicating people might be trapped inside.
“Arcata Fire and Arcata Police units arrived on scene to find heavy fire throughout a two-story duplex townhouse-type building,” the release states. “Crews immediately secured a water supply (and) began attacking the fire and searching for victims.”
The fire was brought under control in about 30 minutes, according to the release, and the three victims were found during a search of the apartment by fire personnel. Their names are not currently being released pending notification of next of kin.
The scene was then turned over to the Arcata Police Department, which initiated “investigation protocols,” according to the release, and Arcata Fire also requested the Humboldt County Fire-Arson Investigation Unit respond.
“The cause of the fire is still under investigation, however, it does not appear suspicious at this time,” the release states.
In addition to Arcata Fire, the Blue Lake Fire Department, Humboldt Bay Fire, Samoa Fire Department and Cal Fire were dispatched to the scene, while the Fieldbrook Fire Department and Westhaven Fire Department covered the Arcata Fire District during the response.
“This incident is a tragedy for the family involved,” the release states. “Arcata Fire and the Arcata Police Department encourages the community to keep the family in their thoughts.”
Find the full release below:
On February 3, 2025, around 11:15 P.M. units from the Arcata Fire District, Blue Lake Fire Department, Humboldt Bay Fire, Samoa Fire Department, and Cal Fire were dispatched to a reported structure fire at a multi-family residential complex in the 2500 Block of Chestnut Place in Arcata.
The initial dispatch reported that there was a possibility of subjects trapped in a multi-unit apartment building. Arcata Fire and Arcata Police units arrived on scene to find heavy fire throughout a two-story duplex townhouse type building.
Crews immediately secured a water supply began attacking the fire and searching for victims. Fire personnel had the fire controlled in about 30 minutes. Upon achieving fire control, fire personnel searched the apartment involved where three deceased victims were located.
On scene Arcata Police officers were advised of the situation. Arcata Police assumed control of the scene and initiated investigation protocols. Arcata Fire requested response from the Humboldt County Fire-Arson Investigation Unit. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, however, it does not appear suspicious at this time.
Arcata Fire would also like to thank the Fieldbrook Fire Department and Westhaven Fire Department for covering the Arcata Fire District during the incident. Information related to the identity of the victims is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
This incident is a tragedy for the family involved. Arcata Fire and the Arcata Police Department encourages the community to keep the family in their thoughts.
This article appears in Enter the Papaya Lounge.
