UPDATE, 3:22 p.m.: County of Humboldt press release on the evac:

The Humboldt County Courthouse was evacuated this afternoon at about 1:15 after Humboldt Bay Fire was called to respond to a report of smoke in the building. Individuals were allowed to re-enter the Courthouse at about 2:15 p.m. after the fire department deemed the building safe. No one reported injuries.

The County Courthouse was evacuated on August 30, 2013 due to smoke in the building, a result of a malfunctioning electrical motor controlling the Corrections elevator. The source of today’s report of smoke has not been determined, but the motor was ruled out as a possible cause. 

The evacuation did not affect the Humboldt County Jail. The General Plan Update meeting, which had been originally scheduled for 1:30 p.m. was postponed until 3 p.m. The evening meeting will proceed as scheduled at 6 p.m.

UPDATE, 2:29 p.m.: Junior LoCO reporter Mark Lovelace gives this calming update via Facebook:

The Courthouse was evacuated a little after 1:00 due to a fire alarm after a Sheriff’s Deputy saw smoke on the first floor. Crews from Humboldt Bay Fire District responded, but the smoke had dissipated and they could not find the source. The building was reopened around 2:15. Our General Plan meeting will reconvene at 3:00.

Back to work, government!

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UPDATE, 2:10 p.m.: Photos from LoCO supercontributor Mark McKenna:

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Multiple reports are coming in that the Humboldt County Courthouse has been evacuated. This from Humboldt County 3rd district supervisor Mark Lovelace’s Facebook page (photo further down):

Fire alarm at the courthouse. The building has been evacuated until further notice.

Heated GPU debate? (h/t somebody). Check back for updates.

UPDATE, 1:41 p.m.: Additional photo from friend o’ the LoCO Kristy Silva: