Press release from Arcata Fire:

Around 8:22 P.M. last night, Arcata Fire District was called to the 1700 block of Grange Road in McKinleyville for a reported structure fire.

Upon the arrival of Engine 8217 and Battalion Chief Sean Campbell, crews found a well-involved doublewide mobile home. Due to the amount of fire involvement, crews initiated an aggressive exterior attack of the fire. Neighbors reported that the structure was unoccupied. It took fire crews approximately 30 minutes to gain control of the fire. Crews were hampered by poor water supply and limited access to the fire.

“We believe the fire to be suspicious in nature,” reports Battalion Chief Campbell, “this is a known ‘Drug house’ and appears to be unoccupied.” Humboldt County Sheriff was called to the scene to take a report. Neighbors reported seeing a green Subaru, with a partial plate of 7PYW, leaving the area just before the fire started. If anyone has information regarding the fire, please contact the Arcata Fire District (707-825-2000) or the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office (707-445-7251). The loss is estimated at $40,000. The cause of fire is yet to be determined and is still under investigation due to heavy damage and dangerous condition of the mobile home.

Arcata Fire District responded with three engines, one chief officer, and a logistics unit. As part of the District’s automatic aid agreements, one engine from CalFire, and a Water Tender from Fieldbrook Fire District were dispatched to the incident as well. These agreements are in place to expedite the request of mutual aid resources. Arcata Fire District has had an agreement with Fieldbrook for many years and just recently set up an agreement with CalFire. This incident being CalFire’s first response under the new agreement. During the incident, the District’s stations were covered by Humboldt Bay Fire, Fieldbrook Fire District, and recalled District staff.