Humboldt Bay Fire Press Release:

Humboldt Bay Fire responded to a structure fire at 50 West Fifth Street in Eureka. Three engines, one ladder truck and two chief officers were dispatched. The first arriving chief reported smoke coming from the rear of a 2 story business/ residential structure. Fire crews quickly extinguished the fire which was confined to the outside near a door and removed debris. A search of the building showed that no one was inside.

Crews did discover several rooms that had been illegally converted to marijuana growing and processing areas. Substandard electrical wiring and fixtures were installed in several locations. Eureka Police Department and the City of Eureka Building Department were notified and responded.

Pacific Gas and Electrical responded and removed the electric power meter due to the unsafe wiring.

The cause of the fire after investigation was suspected to be from discarded smoking material. The fire damage was confined to the porch/doorway area.

Seventeen firefighters responded. Fire control in 5 minutes from time of dispatch. Time on scene, One hour. Loss estimated at $1000.

One call for service to an unrelated incident was received during the fire.

Arcata Fire Department provided one engine to cover the Humboldt Bay Fire