Clark Street fire originated in laundry room, loss $120,000

On 08/11/18, at 2:41 P.M. units from Humboldt Bay Fire were dispatched to a reported structure fire at a residence on the 0 block of West Clark Street.



The first arriving engine found neighbors trying to extinguish the fire to the outside of a laundry room with garden hoses. The engine companies made a fire attack on the side of the structure at the laundry room and found that the fire had breached into the kitchen and the attic area above the main portion of the house.

The fire damaged the roof structure to the point that it was sagging in the middle which extended extinguishment time. Firefighters had to cut into the structure from the outside walls and from the ceiling into the attic in order to bring the fire under control.

Several dogs were found inside during and after the fire. All the dogs are accounted for and are alive. Several cats were also located inside and rescued. There are possibly 3 cats that are unaccounted for, presumably escaped through the open doors and windows.

After one hour the fire was brought under control with crews staying on scene until after 6:00 PM extinguishing hot spots to ensure the fire was completely out.

No one was home at the time of the fire. The origin of the fire is the laundry room, the cause has not yet been determined.

Many neighbors came to the aid of the owner to assist with the care and containment of the pets.

Eureka Police provided an animal control officer and traffic control. Samoa Fire, Loleta Fire and Arcata Fire  all provided coverage of Humboldt Bay’s jurisdiction

Red Cross provided assistance to the owner to secure housing and a local Animal Rescue provided help locating one of the dogs that had escaped into the neighborhood.

The structure was deemed inhabitable due to the roof and water damage.
Loss was estimated at $120,000.

No injuries were reported.