Estimated damage for Harris Street fire is $200,000

On Wednesday, September 9 at 2:35 a.m., Humboldt Bay Fire was dispatched to report of a structure fire inside of an apartment complex on the 100 block of Harris Street in Eureka.

HBF’s first engine arrived within minutes to find heavy fire rolling out of the front and rear of one apartment, windows and sliding glass doors already blown out with fire reaching for the second story.  Crews immediately began to flow water from a hose stream as well as from the deck gun positioned on top of the engine. Subsequent engines arrived and performed searches of the entire complex, evacuating any residents still inside.

Occupants from the apartment with heavy fire activity were safely evacuated, and one resident was evaluated for minor smoke inhalation. Thankfully, there were no major injuries to residents or responding personnel.  Crews were able to get the fire knocked down within minutes and gained full control of the fire by 2:45 a.m., containing it to the one fire apartment and preventing spread to the remainder of the complex.

Truck 8181 created a roof vent allowing smoke and heat to escape and began to air out the remainder of the apartments. Crews also used a water vacuum to remove excess water inside nearby apartments from fire attack activities.  PG&E responded and was able to isolate the affected apartments and keep power on for the remainder of the complex.  Humboldt Bay Fire would like to thank the American Red Cross who responded to assist and re-house occupants displaced by the fire.

Damage is estimated to be $200,000.  Crews remained on scene until 5:30 a.m. performing initial investigations and assisting displaced occupants.  The cause of the fire has been narrowed to the kitchen and, more specifically, the area immediately surrounding the stove. Extensive fire damage has made an exact cause and origin unlike at this time.