UPDATE, 2:49 p.m.: Press release from the county:

County Courthouse Evacuated Due to Smoke

EUREKA – The Humboldt County Courthouse was evacuated this morning at about 10 o’clock 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 11:45 a.m. after smoke had left the building, and no one reported injuries.

An electrical motor controlling the Corrections elevator malfunctioned, which caused the smoke. The smoke traveled through the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system and was introduced into the hallways and office areas of the Courthouse, prompting the evacuation of personnel in the building. Humboldt Bay Fire crews quickly identified the cause of the smoke and shut it down, then worked to ventilate and remove smoke from the building.

The evacuation did not affect the Humboldt County Jail. The cause of the malfunction is under investigation.

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Photo courtesy Brian Connors.

UPDATE, 11 a.m.: Things are calming down. Carolyn Crnich tells us that her people are scheduled to be allowed back in right about now. Supervisor Mark Lovelace, below, reports that he understands that the problem was some kind of fritzy elevator equipment pumping out smoke. All is well.

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UPDATE, 10:31 a.m.: From scanner:

We’ve identified the source of the problem. There is still a significant amount of smoke in the building.

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UPDATE, 10:30 a.m.: Fire engines from around the region are responding. Carolyn Crnich, the Humboldt County Clerk-Recorder, tells us:

Someone smelled smoke? That’s what my staff told me. They were called about 20 minutes ago and alerted that they MAY be asked to evacuate. They just called me back to say they were told to leave and were on their way out. They believe this is just temporary and services will be resumed shortly. 

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Numerous people are telling us that the Humboldt County courthouse is currently being evacuated. It’s being confirmed by scanner traffic, though we currently don’t know the reason for the evacuation. 

Know anything? Help us out, here.

Updates coming.