Transient activity cause of 3534 Broadway fire

 

 After I posted, Humboldt Bay Fire sent out a corrected press release which is posted below.

Press Release:

At 9:34 P.M. last night, Humboldt Bay Fire units, including 3 engines, a ladder truck, and four duty chiefs were dispatched to a reported structure fire in a vacant commercial building on the 3500 block of Broadway road. 

The first responding engine 8112 reported seeing heavy smoke from the roof of the structure. A commercial second alarm was requested and four mutual aid units responded with one Arcata unit going to the scene, they were staged then later released from scene. Loleta, Somoa, and Blue Lake provided station coverage.  

The first arriving unit reported a working fire in a commercial structure. They passed command to the incoming Battalion Chief. 8112 secured water supply and set up for a offensive fire attack. After fire was visible from the roof fire attack was switched to defensive fire operations. Truck 8181 was the second arriving unit and was also assigned fire attack. After two hours of defensive fire actions and consulting with city officials it was determined that the building was deemed to be unsafe, and demolition of the building was necessary.   Fire crews remained on scene for approximately five and a half hours to complete extinguishment and facilitate demolition of the building.   

After investigation it was determined that the cause of the fire was transient activity. PG&E was notified, there was no gas or power going to the building. There was a gas line near by that PG&E capped.  Damage was estimated at $750,000 with the building being a total loss. There were no injuries to fire personnel on scene nor civilian injuries.  

Humboldt Bay Fire would like to thank its allied partners for their assistance with coverage during this incident. Arcata Fire Protection District, Samoa Fire District, Loleta Fire District, and Blue Lake Fire District helped to ensure the safety of the HBF community while our resources were committed. Also we would like to thank PG&E, EPD, Eureka public works, City Ambulance, and Mercer Fraser for providing equipment and personnel for demolition.