Arcata Fire District press release:

At 3:17 a.m., Arcata Fire District units were dispatched to a structure fire in the 1200 block of Hiller Road. The first reports were of heavy smoke in the area.

Engine 8217 from the McKinleyville station was on scene in less than two minutes and reported dark gray smoke with high velocity coming from a three car detached garage near the rear of the residence. According to Battalion Chief Sean Campbell, “This fire had the potential for very rapid growth and would have threatened the house which is located right next door.” He went on to say, “The fire was starving for air. Crews had to cut vent holes in the roof to release heat and smoke as the attack team entered the building with a hose line.” As roof ventilation operations were taking place a crew made entry into the structure and were able to knock down the main body of the fire. The fire was determined under control by crews inside the structure at around 4:00 a.m.

The structure reportedly did not have power serviced by Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) and the home owner had been using generators to provide electricity to his residence. The first arriving crew found a generator in flames during their initial assessment of the structure. The residents of the house were not injured and there were no firefighter injuries. Investigators believe the fire started in the area of the generator and spread to the wall of the garage.

Arcata Fire District responded with two engines, one truck, two volunteer fire fighters, and two Chief Officers. Humboldt Bay Fire responded with one engine and one Chief Officer to help provide coverage for our fire district and California Highway Patrol (CHP) responded to assist with logistics.