Arcata Fire Protection District press release:

Arcata Fire District personnel responded to the 1888 Columbus Rd., McKinleyville, on June 19, after receiving a report of a residential structure fire. Once firefighters extinguished the fire that caused more than $280,000 in damages fire investigators conducted a cause and origin investigation.

Investigators determined the fire had been intentionally set and a suspect had been identified. The case was sent the Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office with an arrest warrant attached and following review by the District Attorney’s Office, an arrest warrant was issued for Jennifer Gibbs of Fortuna, CA. Ms. Gibbs was taken into custody, without incident, by the Fortuna Police Department on June 25, 2014 while staying at a family member’s house.

Battalion Chief Campbell stated, “This case is now in the hands of our judicial system. We were very concerned for the safety of our community as this case was under investigation. Thankfully, the DA’s Office recognized the potential risk with this suspect and acted quickly to get the arrest warrant approved. We are very appreciative of the work by the District Attorney Investigators.”

District Attorney Investigator Bernstein commented, “Arson is a serious crime that comes in many different forms. After working with fire officials, we agreed there was risk to the community so we acted quickly to get the arrest warrant approved. We will continue to work on this case as it progresses through the justice system.”

No further information is available at this time but the Fire District will keep the public informed as information becomes available.

PREVIOUSLY: House Fire in McK Did $200K+ Damage