HBF encountered multiple explosions from propane tanks at while fighting fire this morning

On 01/19/2021 at 10:43 P.M. Humboldt Bay Fire was dispatched to a reported structure fire in the 2700 block of Spears Road. 

The first arriving unit reported two fully involved single-wide manufactured homes with an additional partially involved recreational vehicle next to it. The occupants of the manufactured homes and recreational vehicle told fire personnel that all people and animals had been evacuated.  

 Humboldt Bay Fire units had extreme difficulty accessing the long, steep, muddy driveway. Personnel began extending several hundred feet of hose up the driveway by hand to fight the fire. Additional units had to hand-lay 350 feet of supply line to a hydrant as an unattended pickup obstructed the roadway that lead to the closest hydrant.  

Fire personnel encountered multiple explosions from propane tanks during the incident. At one-point personnel were advised by the occupants that several propane tanks, including a 200-gallon tank, had recently been filled. Personnel saw several tanks venting with fire shooting in to the air. Personnel pulled back to a safer distance but continued to fight the fire. 

A large propane tank exploded causing a nearby Redwood tree to become involved in fire.   After approximately one hour of firefighting, personnel gained fire control. Even after the fire was controlled, several more explosions occurred causing firefighters to back out.  Due to the large amount of burning materials on the property fire crews will be on scene to mop-up for several hours.   

Humboldt Bay Fire had four engines on scene. City Ambulance was also on scene as a precautionary measure. Cal Fire responded a duty officer at the request of Humboldt Bay Fire as this incident occurred on the joint response area between Humboldt Bay Fire and Cal Fire. Pacific Gas and Electric responded and secured the electrical to the property.   At the time of this news release, fire personnel were still mopping up and unable to investigate the cause of the fire. The estimated loss is $200,000.