Reader says 929 Koster Street will not be open due to a transformer that caught fire

"Reader emailed me at 7:19 a.m., "Just to let you know, I'm here at 929 Koster St. for the mortgage evection program. They are completely out of service due to a tranformer that caught fire. They will not be open at all today."



Covering multiple cases in multiple courtrooms so this is a quick post. Have contacted both DHHS Director Connie Beck and Humboldt Bay Fire PIO Amy Conlin.

Both responded promptly. Added their remarks at 9:38 a.m.

Director Beck said, "We are just now making the decision to send all staff home so the reader knows more than we do lol."

"The main building power is estimated back on at 4:30. The other offices have power but don’t have network or internet access so they are unable to use the system. "

 "The Call Center is up and running and we also have many staff working from home so work can continue folks just cant be seen in the office.  During COVID-19 we actually prefer that folks do applications over the phone and on line."

Ms. Conlin responded, "What I’m hearing from the Battalion Chief is that it was a simple power pole fire. It did disrupt power, so several blocks were shut down. Crews stood by until PG&E cut power and they put out a couple of hot spots after the power was out.
No injuries and no cause found."