UPDATE, 4:05 p.m.: Arcata Fire District press release: 

Shortly after 11:00 A.M. Arcata Fire District was dispatched to a possible hazardous material incident at the Bracut Industrial Park off of U.S. Highway 101. Initial reports stated employees could smell fumes coming from a nearby building and complained of feeling sick and nauseous.

Arcata fire crews arrived on scene and the first two engine crews immediately evacuated the building. A third Arcata engine crew worked with Hazmat personnel from Humboldt Bay Fire to develop a plan to make entry into the building. After crews entered the building it was discovered that the building was being used for auto body restoration. It was reported by the tenant that he had sprayed a vehicle in the building.

Although an ambulance was called to the scene, no injuries were reported.

Arcata Fire District responded with two engines, one truck and one chief officer. Humboldt Bay Fire responded with one engine and one chief officer. Arcata – Mad River Ambulance responded with once vehicle, Humboldt County Sheriff responded to assist with logistics and Humboldt County Environmental Health responded.

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Photos: Andrew Goff.

UPDATE, 11:46 p.m.: “The cause was a paint can that was open and off-gassing,” a fireman tells dispatchers. People are being let back into their buildings. 

Arcata Fire District’s Sean Campbell gives more details in the audio clip below.

(AUDIO) Paint Fumes!

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Original Post: Multiple fire engines from Arcata Fire and Humboldt Bay Fire are at Bracut Industrial Park this morning, after receiving report of “toxic fumes” seeping into an occupied building from an adjacent structure.

At least one building at the industrial park has been evacuated. The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office is on scene as well, and an environmental health Hazmat person is responding. Moments ago, personnel at the scene reported to dispatchers that they are currently formulating a place to enter the building from which the fumes are emanating.

Rick Hess, the park’s owner, tells the Outpost’s Andrew Goff that he called 911 after a tenant complained of the fumes.

We will update this post when we know more.