Minimal fire damage this time but please dispose smoking materials appropriately says Fire Department

On August 17th at approximately 1530 hours, Humboldt Bay Fire was dispatched to a structure fire at 1928 Everding St.  HBF responded with three fire engines, one ladder truck, and two Chief Officers.

The first arriving unit reported light smoke showing from a single story, wood frame residence.  While setting up to make entry to the structure, fire personnel received information of a resident possibly still being inside.  Fire crews forced entry to the structure to perform a search and to attack the fire.  The crew was able to quickly search the small residence and confirm that no one was inside.  They were also able to locate the fire which was confined to a small couch in the living room.  Crews removed the burnt couch from the residence and utilized fans to ventilate smoke from the residence.

Investigation of the fire found multiple discarded cigarettes on, in, and around the couch.  The occupant was not home at the time of the fire.  The residence received minor smoke damage, but the remainder of the damage was confined to the couch.  There were no injuries.

Humboldt Bay Fire would like to remind residents that smoking materials should be disposed of in an appropriate container, such as an ash tray.  While the damage from this fire was minimal, should this have occurred with residents home or during the night time hours, the potential for greater damage or injury is greatly increased.