Firefighters discover numerous holes and hazards at the former Jacobs Educational Center building

On November 22nd, 2018 @ 1721 hrs, Humboldt Bay Fire was dispatched to reported Structure Fire in the 600 block Allard Ave.



Humboldt Bay Fire responded with a first alarm assignment of 3 Engines, 1 Truck and 1 Chief Officer. The first arriving Chief Officer reported heavy smoke visible from the former campus of the Jacobs Educational Center and investigated further.

Upon investigation a working Structure Fire was located in an unoccupied portable classroom in the middle of the former campus. An interior fire attack and search was initiated by the first arriving engine companies. Firefighters suspended the interior fire attack and search of the building when numerous holes in the floor and other hazards to firefighters were discovered.

Firefighters then extinguished the fire from the exterior of the building using chainsaws and other tools to open up the building and apply hose streams.

The fire was controlled in 30 minutes and there were no civilian or Firefighter injuries. There was no electricity or gas service to the building and a human caused fire could not be ruled out.

Firefighters remained on scene for 2 hours to completely extinguish the fire. Humboldt Bay Fire would like to thank the following the cooperating agencies for their assistance: Eureka Police Department, PG&E, Arcata Fire District and City Ambulance.