Today’s vegetation fire in Manila. Photos: Andrew Goff

Press release from the Arcata Fire District:

Shortly after 1:00 P.M. Arcata Fire District responded to a reported structure fire in the 1100 block of Hayes Road in McKinleyville. The fire occurred when the owners set the oven to “self-clean.” Fortunately, their smoke alarms sounded and alerted them to the fire.

Firefighters controlled the oven fire and were removing smoke from the house when Arcata units were dispatched to a structure fire on Carlson Drive in Manila. Battalion Chief Sean Campbell arrived on scene in Manila first and reported the fire was actually a vegetation fire and it was threatening a structure.

“I knew I needed to protect the structure so I used my water extinguisher to slow down the fire until the engine arrived on scene” stated Campbell. The house was protected and undamaged. Ashes from a wood stove discarded in the yard caused the fire.

According to Campbell, “It’s a real challenge for us to cover 62 square miles with three engines, and when we have incidents on opposite ends of the District, we have to rely on our neighbors to respond with us.” Humboldt Bay Fire responded with an engine to Manila, but the fire crews at scene controlled the fire quickly and the Humboldt Bay engine was cancelled.

These fires also highlight two basic fire safety issues. First, working smoke alarms save lives. Remember to test your smoke alarms monthly. Be sure you have a smoke alarm in each bedroom, the hallway and on each level of your home. Arcata Fire District also reminds residents to be extremely careful with your ashes. Before discarding them, they should be put in a metal container with a metal lid; soaked thoroughly and stirred to be sure the ashes on the bottom are getting cooled as well.

For more information on fire safety contact Arcata Fire District at 707-825-2000.