Readers report a structure fire at Fred’s Body Shop just off Highway 101 at the Indianola Cutoff. Friend of the LoCO Jonathan Beck sends in the image above which shows Humboldt Bay Fire on the scene as smoke billows out of the single story metal building. CHP was dispatched to provide traffic control. The situation is under control. 

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UPDATE, SUNDAY, 9:43 a.m.: From Humboldt Bay Fire:

At 6:40 PM Saturday 4-18-2015 units from Humboldt Bay Fire and Arcata Fire responded to a reported structure fire with smoke and flames visible at 651 Indianola Cutoff, Fred’s Body Shop. The first arriving Battalion reported smoke coming from the roof vents of a single story metal building. The first arriving engine company forced open a door and found fire in the back of the shop. Additional crews arrived and established a water supply from a hydrant and assisted with extinguishment. The crews extinguished the fire and checked for fire extension into a wall. Indianola Cutoff was closed to through traffic for approximately one and a half hours due to the hose lay and fire apparatus in the roadway. There were no injuries.

Crews controlled the fire within 15 minutes. The fire was the result of a malfunctioning paint recycler. ( A paint recycler separates and reclaims solvents from waste paint for reuse) Damages are estimated at $6000.

The structure was protected by a commercial fire sprinkler system that did activate and suppressed much of the fire. An alert passerby reported smoke and a small amount of fire coming from the structure. These two actions, early notification and a fire suppression system greatly minimized the damage potential to the business and will allow the owners to operate their business without delay.

Agencies that responded were Humboldt Bay Fire, Arcata Fire, California Highway Patrol and Pacific Gas and Electric.

Humboldt Bay Fire asks that when fire apparatus or law enforcement vehicles respond with lights and siren that drivers yield the right of way by pulling to the right in a safe manner.