Fire at 1652 B Street, all evacuated to safety

On 7/4/14 at approximately 1654 hours, Humboldt Bay Fire was dispatched to a structure fire with heavy smoke visible from the roof at 1652 B Street in Eureka.  Humboldt Bay Fire responded with a first alarm assignment consisting of three fire engines, one ladder truck, and two Chief Officers. First arriving units reported smoke showing from a single story wood framed single family dwelling.  Crews made entry into the structure and found that all of the fire was above the ceiling in the attic space. Ventilation holes were cut in the roof and crews extinguished the fire from the attic access hatch. Crews also worked to protect the occupant’s belongings by covering them with salvage covers. The occupants had smelled smoke shortly before a neighbor knocked on the door and said that the roof was on fire. All of the occupants were able to evacuate safely. No injuries to any civilians or fire personnel were reported. A total of 18 Humboldt Bay Fire Personnel, responded to the fire. The fire was controlled in 30 minutes. Some crews remained on scene until 1930 hours removing debris and assisting with the investigation. Arcata Fire Protection District provided 1 engine company to cover any additional calls. Wabash Street at B Street was closed to through traffic due to the water supply hose that was laid across the roadway. The cause of the fire after investigation is faulty electrical wiring located in the attic.