From Humboldt Bay Fire:

Humboldt Bay Fire responded to multiple arson fires in the early morning hours of February 18th and 19th. There were a total of six fires reported to fire officials. The most significant fire was at the City of Eureka Wharfinger Building. The fire was large enough to activate the sprinkler system which extinguished the fire. Humboldt Bay Fire was notified via the activation of the sprinkler alarm system. Damage to the facility was minimal as the sprinkler system functioned properly and prevented the fire from spreading to the structure.

The other fires that were responded to in the early morning hours of Wednesday, February 18th and Thursday, February 19th were dumpsters in the area of Broadway and McCullens Avenue and Broadway and Allard Ave. There were multiple dumpsters and shopping carts that had been intentionally set on fire. There was also a deliberate attempt to burn a commercial building; however, the fire was extinguished quickly by fire personnel. While fire crews were extinguishing the commercial structure fire, personnel located an additional dumpster on fire.

Fire officials were also notified by City of Eureka staff that remnants of two small fires had recently been found outside at the Eureka City Hall.

Dumpster and refuse fires pose a significant threat of fire extension to adjacent buildings, vehicles, or other property. Business owners can reduce this hazard by closing and locking their dumpsters after business hours, and ensuring the area surrounding their buildings remains reasonably clear of trash and other debris.

Humboldt Bay Fire is encouraging the community to be vigilant in reporting suspicious persons to law enforcement agencies. If anyone discovers attempted or extinguished fires, they should be reported to the fire department to aid in the investigation.