Esmeralda’s restaurant caught fire last night. Press release from Humboldt Bay Fire:

At approximately 9:41 PM, Humboldt Bay Fire was dispatched to a reported structure fire at 328 Grotto St. in the Henderson Center area of Eureka. HBF responded with three fire engines, one ladder truck, and two Chief Officers.

While enroute, several bystanders phoned dispatch and reported that something had been thrown at the building and that there was a possible smell of a flammable liquid.

First arriving units reported that the fire appeared out. HBF units made access to the building and confirmed that the fire was indeed out and that there had been no extension into the interior of the restaurant.

All damage to the structure was exterior and confined to the front wall, windows, and door of the business. Investigation also confirmed a smell of a fluid similar to flammable liquids in the area of the exterior damage.

Further investigation revealed that the fire had been extinguished by two passers-by.

Control of the investigation and scene were turned over to the Eureka Police Department. Anyone with information regarding this fire are encouraged to phone EPD at (707) 441-4060 or Humboldt Bay Fire at (707) 441-4000.