Suspicious nature and timing of three fires leads to EPD detaining one suspect

On 02/28/2021 at 6:08 am. Humboldt Bay Fire was dispatched to a reported structure fire in the 100 block of Harris St. Humboldt Bay Fire responded with 3 Engines, 1 Truck and 1 Battalion Chief. The first arriving engine reported two vehicles fully involved in the carport of an occupied apartment complex. 

The carport was located directly beneath the occupied apartments. All residents of the apartment complex had evacuated and there were no civilian injuries. The fire was controlled in 30 minutes and the fire did not extend into the apartment units directly above the carport but the carport sustained heavy fire damage and both vehicles were a total loss.  

While on scene of the initial fire, Humboldt Bay Fire was notified of a second vehicle fire in the 100 block of Grotto St, two blocks away. The fire was isolated to a tire on the vehicle and was quickly extinguished by an EPD officer and Humboldt Bay Fire requested a second alarm due to the suspicious nature of the fires and the potential for further fires.  

Approximately five minutes later Humboldt Bay Fire was notified of a third vehicle fire in the alley to the rear of the 2800 block of C St. Two engines cleared from the first fire and responded to find a fully involved pick-up truck next to multiple residences. The fire was quickly extinguished with no extension to any buildings and the pick-up truck was a total loss.  

Given the suspicious nature and timing of the three fires, EPD and Humboldt Bay Fire began searching the area and EPD quickly detained a suspect in the 100 block of Grotto St. shortly after the third fire was extinguished. The total loss from the 3 fires is estimated at $125,000 and there were no civilian or Firefighter injuries. 

Fire Investigators from Humboldt Bay Fire are currently working together with detectives from EPD to process the fire scenes and gather evidence. Humboldt Bay Fire would like to thank the following cooperating agencies: EPD, City Ambulance, PG&E, Arcata Fire District, Samoa-Peninsula Fire District and the Loleta Fire District for their assistance.  

EPD Press Release (March 1):

On February 28, 2021, at about 6:15 a.m., officers with the Eureka Police Department responded to the 100 block of Harris Street to assist Humboldt Bay Fire with investigating multiple suspicious car fires.    Vehicle fires were located at the 100 block of Harris Street, 100 block of Grotto Street, and 2800 block of C Street.  

All fires were in close proximity and appeared to have been set within 30 minutes of each other.    While patrolling the area, officers located 32-year-old Christopher Flagler exiting the alley where there was an active vehicle fire.  

Flagler was detained and a records check showed he had multiple warrants and was on probation.  Flagler was found to be in possession of a lighter and small bottle of flammable liquid.   

Flagler was arrested and booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility for multiple incidents of arson, burglary, vandalism, and outstanding warrants.   This is an active and ongoing investigation.  

At this time, there are approximately 8 involved locations and approximately 15 victims reporting varying degrees of arson, burglary, and vandalism.  If you have surveillance of the suspect on the morning of February 28th in the Henderson Center area or if you are an unreported victim to a similar crime in the area, please contact Detective Corrie Watson at (707) 441-4032.