One pet deceased, 5 million building damage in fire caused by "improper discarding of burnt aroma materials"

Late in the evening of March 27th at approximately 11:50 pm, Humboldt Bay Fire responded to a structure fire in an apartment building on the 400 block of L St. in Eureka. Three engines, one truck, two Chief Officers, and one Fire Support Volunteer responded. 

The Battalion Chief arrived to find heavy fire coming from a window on the second floor of a 3-story apartment with multiple occupants still inside the building. A second alarm and second ambulance were requested, drawing two more engines to the scene and for station coverage. The first-arriving engine immediately located a victim in a 2nd floor window who was trapped in his apartment. The victim was quickly rescued through the window utilizing a ground ladder. Additional crews knocked down the fire in the fire apartment window from the exterior and made entry, locating three additional victims who were sheltering in place inside their apartments on the second floor. 

Firefighters assisted the three residents out of the building rescues and cleared the floor of any remaining occupants. The residents did suffer some smoke inhalation but reported no injuries and refused treatment. The fire was controlled within 20 minutes with crews containing the fire to the original apartment. Quick actions by arriving crews prevented the fire from spreading to additional apartments, rescue the trapped victims, and ensure all occupants were safely out of the building and accounted for. Incident Commanders worked with the property owner and PG&E to isolate and restore utilities back to the building. There were no firefighter or civilian injuries. Unfortunately, one pet was found deceased inside the fire apartment and another pet is still missing. 12 apartments were deemed uninhabitable due to fire, smoke and water damage, displacing approximately 20 tenants. Red Cross was brought in to provide the tenants with temporary housing and living needs. 

Damage to the building, valued at $5 million, is estimated at approximately $500,000. After investigation, the fire was determined to be caused by improper discarding of burnt aroma materials.  Humboldt Bay Fire reminds all occupants to soak any aroma materials, such as incense sticks, in water before discarding them and ensure you have working smoke alarms in all bedrooms and hallways. Early detection can save lives. Humboldt Bay Fire would like to thank City Ambulance, Eureka PD, Red Cross, Arcata Fire and Samoa Fire. for their assistance on this incident, and in providing station coverage.