Humboldt Bay Fire press release:

This morning at approximately 6:20 AM Humboldt Bay firefighters responded to a reported structure fire in the 3100 block of 18th Street (Myrtletown neighborhood). While units were responding the dispatcher reported there was possibly two occupants trapped inside the house.

 

The first arriving unit reported heavy fire to the rear of the one-story single-family residence. Fire crews quickly went to work to extinguish the fire, search for occupants, and perform support functions including ventilation.

Fortunately, there was no one inside and all occupants had safely escaped from the fire. The fire was confined to two rooms at the rear of the residence.

Fire damage is estimated at $20,000.The property owner said that he awoke to what sounded like a “whoosh” sound followed by a small explosion on the north side of the residence. He opened the door and discovered fire on the porch. He then grabbed a tub of water from the kitchen and attempted to extinguish the fire. Unfortunately the fire quickly spread to the exterior walls and eave line and he was unable to extinguish it.

Occupant and witness statements are consistent with burn patterns and other fire origin indicators. Our fire investigator is ruling this as arson. There are no suspects at this time. Anyone with information related to this fire is asked to contact either the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office or Humboldt Bay Fire.