UPDATE: The Arcata Fire District’s A/V Club has posted some slick video of the ol’ Alliance Store going up in flames:

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UPDATE: Arcata Police Department press release:

On 05/23/15 at 1:13 AM, the Arcata Police Department, along with the Arcata Fire Protection District, responded to the report of a structure fire at 1499 Spear Av. Upon the officer’s arrival, they found the former Alliance Market fully engulfed in fire. Officers began conducting traffic control for the arriving fire apparatus and attempting to locate witnesses. An officer contacted a subject in the area, who was later identified as Jeremy Kish (30) of Eureka.

Kish claimed to be a witness to the fire and made some statements to the officers that were suspicious in nature. Further investigation lead to probable cause to arrest Kish for 451(d) PC-Arson.  Kish was transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility, where he was booked and lodged.

The investigation is on-going and anyone with information about the case is asked to call the Arcata Police Department.

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Arcata Fire District press release:

Shortly after 1:00 AM Arcata Fire District responded to a structure fire at the corner of Spear Avenue and Alliance Road. It was originally reported to be a red house across from the gas station.

Arcata Fire Engine 8216 was the first to arrive on scene and reported the fire to be a commercial structure fire, fully involved, with multiple exposures to the south and to the west. Engine 8216’s two person crew immediately established a water supply and began a defensive fire attack. Arcata Fire Engine 8215 arrived on scene within seconds of the first engine. Engine 8215’s two person crew established their own water supply and also began a defensive fire attack on the opposite side of the building. While en route, Arcata Fire Engine 8217 which is housed in the McKinleyville station, switched out to Arcata Fire Truck 8283 that is housed at the Mad River fire station then preceded to the scene. Once on scene, the truck’s two person crew positioned the apparatus to utilize the platform and spray a master stream from above the fire. The fire was contained within one hour and fifteen minutesof crews being on scene.“Due to the volume of fire and the building collapse I requested an additional truck and two more engines to respond to the scene” stated Battalion Chief Sean Campbell.

Video courtesy LoCO reader Will Lubenow

While assisting in the fire attack, a Humboldt Bay Fire fighter suffered a minor injury and appears he will recover.

“This building has been vacant for many years; it was reported by the owner to be unoccupied. We have reason to believe this fire was intentionally set. We are coordinating an investigation with Arcata Police Department and they already have a suspect in custody” stated Battalion Chief Sean Campbell.

Arcata Fire District responded with two engines, one truck, one chief officer and one volunteer logistic unit member. Humboldt Bay Fire responded with one engine, one truck and a chief officer. Cal Fire responded with one engine. Samoa Peninsula Volunteer Fire District responded with one engine that provided coverage in the Arcata area. Fieldbrook Volunteer Fire responded with one engine to the scene and then sent to respond to a vehicle accident in the McKinleyville area. Other agencies that responded to provide logistical assistance include; Arcata Police Department, Arcata/Mad River Ambulance and City of Arcata Public Works.