$150,000 damage in Elk River Court fire

At 8:18 a.m. on Tuesday November 29, 2022, Humboldt Bay Fire units, including 3 engines, a ladder truck, a water tender and two duty chiefs, were dispatched to a reported structure fire in a residence at the 7500 block of Elk River Court in Eureka. 

The first responding engine reported seeing smoke in the area, and set up for a long hose lay.  The bridge on Elk River Court is deemed a “do not cross bridge” by Humboldt Bay Fire so no apparatus were able to make it directly to the residence. 

This delayed access and water supply to the fire. Once the first responding engine crew made their way to the residence on foot they reported a working structure fire with smoke showing from one of the corners of the structure. During this time a second alarm was requested and two additional engines and two additional water tenders were dispatched to scene, along with two additional engines to cover HBF jurisdiction. 

The first two arriving units stretched 1,500 feet of hose to the fire, and set up water supply operations for additional units arriving on scene. The closest hydrant was over a mile away.    It was reported by a neighbor that there were no occupants in the home at the time of the fire, but there were three dogs inside the residence. The crews assigned fire attack were able to make entry and confirm a primary all clear of the structure and quickly controlled the fire. 

All three dogs were recovered from the residence but unfortunately succumbed to smoke inhalation due to fire conditions PG&E was notified and disconnected power to the transformer supplying power to the two residences at the end of the court.  After approximately 45 minutes since the first unit arrived a secondary all clear was received. With the fire knocked down, HBF units began overhaul operations. At this time cover crews began to be released at approximately 10a.m.  Red cross was contacted and provided resources for the displaced family. After crews completed fire operations, PG&E was alerted that utilities could be restored to the unaffected residence nearby.  

Damage was estimated to be approximately $100,000 to the residence and $50,000 in contents. There were no injuries to civilian or fire personnel on scene.  Humboldt Bay Fire would like to thank its allied partners for their assistance with coverage and operations during this incident. Samoa Fire District, Blue Lake Fire, Fieldbrook Fire, Fortuna Fire, and Arcata Fire District. Also, we would like to thank PG&E, Red Cross, and City Ambulance.