Total of 9 trailers destroyed and damaged last night

 

Early a.m. on July 7, there were trailers on fire near Hilfiker. Humboldt Bay Fire responded.

Just spoke with Humboldt Bay Battalion Chief Chris Emmons. Six trailers were completely destroyed, three had significant damage and one more trailer was affected. "The fire is under investigation but appears to be human-caused as there were no electrical or gas services to any of the trailers."

This is a City of Eureka property and law enforcement is investigating.  A press release with more details will be issued later today.

HBF Press Release:

At 12:22 A.M. four units from Humboldt Bay Fire were dispatched to a reported structure fire at the Foot of Hilfiker Lane in Eureka. 

While units were enroute, Humboldt Bay Fire Dispatch received additional reports that multiple large trailers were on fire. The first arriving Humboldt Bay Fire Engine arrived on scene and found six wood-framed single-wide portable construction type trailers fully involved with fire with additional nearby trailers burning on the outside from radiant heat.   

The initial Company Officer requested a second alarm and declared that the fire was a defensive operation. Additional responding units had their access hindered by passers-by in vehicles and motorhomes driving in to watch the operations.

Eureka Police Officers were requested to control traffic to allow access for emergency apparatus only.  As additional units arrived, personnel checked the nearby trailers for any occupants. Once the trailers were confirmed unoccupied, multiple master streams were put in to place. Fire personnel had the fire controlled within an hour. Pacific Gas and Electric was requested to respond to confirm that the nearby utility poles and electrical lines were not damaged.  The fire is under investigation but appears to be human-caused as there were no electrical or gas services to any of the trailers. 

Humboldt Bay Fire would like to thank their allied emergency partners for their assistance: Arcata Fire Protection District, Blue Lake Volunteer Fire Department, Eureka Police Department, City Ambulance, and Pacific Gas and Electric. There were no injuries to fire personnel or civilians, nor any damage to the residence located next to the trailers or the Humboldt Bay Fire Training Center.