Cause of encampment fire on V street is undetermined

On 7/19/2024 at approximately 1:13p.m. Humboldt Bay Fire responded to the report of a vegetation fire at the 400 block of V Street in the brush between Fourth and Fifth Streets.

One Engine initially responded but while approaching the scene the Engine reported a large amount of smoke and flames visible with possible exposures to near-by structures.  The response was upgraded to a structure fire at that time.  This added two additional engines as well as the ladder truck and Battalion Chief to the response.  Units arrived on scene to find an unoccupied transient encampment on fire that had spread into surrounding vegetation. 

Humboldt Bay Fire had the fire knocked down within 20 minutes of the first arriving unit.   Humboldt Bay Fire crews remained on scene for approximately two additional hours to ensure extinguishment. Additionally, one Humboldt Bay Fire Support Volunteer provided traffic control for the duration of the incident.  The fire was investigated by an HBF Fire Investigator and the cause of the fire was undetermined. There were no civilian or Firefighter injuries. 

Eureka Police Department was also on scene to assist with traffic control.  Humboldt Bay Fire would like to thank City Ambulance, EPD, and Cal Fire for their standby services and assistance during this incident.