Human caused fire causes heat damage to cell tower and structure on I street

0145 a.m. Thursday, October 09, 2014 Humboldt Bay Fire responded to a report of a structure fire on I Street with four engines, and two chief officers. Upon arrival the first arriving engine reported smoke and flames visible from a 20 x 20 outbuilding While fire personnel were extinguishing the fire, the building was searched to confirm that all occupants were out.

The fire was extinguished quickly; however it appeared that the fire had been burning of some time before it was noticed. By the time that firefighters arrived the building was fully involved and was a total loss. The building was within 15 feet of a cell tower and cell phone equipment which suffered a small amount of heat damage. No cell service was affected.

Humboldt Bay Fire urges residents that have outbuilding secured and monitored for trespassing activity.

The cause of the fire is under investigation and appears to be human caused at this time.