Arcata Fire District release: 

Shortly after 3:30 P.M. Arcata Fire District responded to a reported structure fire on the 1400 block of East Bates Road in McKinleyville.

Engine 8217, the first arriving engine, reported light grey smoke coming from a vent on the roof. Engine 8217 entered the structure and found a four feet by four feet section of the living room ceiling blistering from heat above. The second engine, Engine 8216, was assigned to Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC), while E8215, the third engine, was assigned to assist the interior crew. Firefighters quickly contained the fire which was confined to the attic.

One occupant was home at the time of the fire but no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire at this time is believed to be from electrical wiring in the attic. Arcata Fire District responded with three engines, three chief officers, seven career firefighters, one volunteer firefighter and two volunteer logistics unit members. The Fire District was assisted by Humboldt Bay Fire and Blue Lake Volunteer Fire Department who each provided one engine and one chief officer to cover the District response area during the duration of this incident.

Arcata Fire District reminds residence to test your smoke alarms monthly. Be sure you have a smoke alarm in each bedroom, the home. Smoke alarms save lives.