Almost simultaneously, the Outpost received followup information from both Arcata Fire District and Humboldt Bay Fire concerning this morning’s pair of residential structure fires in Arcata and Eureka, respectively.

PREVIOUSLY: House on Fire Near Arcata Elementary School

First, AFD wraps up the blaze on Baldwin: 

A father and son narrowly escaped a quickly moving structure fire on the 2200 block of Baldwin Street in Arcata at approximately 7:45 this morning. The resident awoke to find fire in a closet rapidly advancing into his bedroom. After an unsuccessful attempt to stop the fire, he and his son escaped into the backyard where they were trapped by the growing fire. One person was treated and released from Mad River Community Hospital with moderate injuries.

E8215 from the Arcata station initiated an aggressive fire attack in an effort to access to the trapped residents. Fortunately, the residents were able to escape by climbing over the back fence into a neighbor’s yard where the Arcata Police Department and Arcata- Mad River Ambulance evaluated them for injuries. The Fire was controlled in 15 minutes but units remained on scene 3 hours to complete overhaul and investigation duties. Four engines, two chiefs, two volunteer firefighters, two volunteer logistics unit members responded to the fire scene. “We were fortunate this fire happened near shift change effectively doubling the number of firefighters available. This greatly contributed the quickness and efficiency of operations.” Stated Fire Captain Jon Busher.

Arcata Police and SCOP units rerouted traffic as operations were initially hampered by the morning commute to Arcata Elementary school just one block away. Units from Humboldt Bay Fire and Blue Lake Fire covered Arcata stations for the duration of the incident.

Arcata Firefighters were able to issue the family a “SAVE” card to help with their immediate expenses. SAVE is a program of the California Fire Foundation that provides immediate, short-term relief to victims of fire or other natural disaster. The California Fire Foundation is a non-profit organization aiding fallen firefighter families, firefighters and the communities they serve.

The Fire cause is currently under investigation and the Arcata Fire District reminds every one of the importance of having working smoke alarms in their home.

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PREVIOUSLY: Home Erupts in Flames on Eureka’s West Del Norte Street; Rapid Fire Causes Extensive Damage to Structure

And now a release from HBF about the Del Norte Street fire: 

At 9:47 A.M. today four units from Humboldt Bay Fire responded to a reported structure fire at 515 West Del Norte Street. Upon arrival, fire personnel found heavy fire coming from an attached garage area. Crews attacked the fire and searched the structure for victims, with none being located. The fire was controlled within 20 minutes. The resident was not home at the time of the incident. A dog was located in the back yard and was not harmed from the fire.

The garage sustained major damage with moderate heat and smoke damage in the rest of the residential area. The fire was determined to be accidental. It is believed to have been caused by a clothes dryer that was in use. Damage to the house and contents is estimated at $75,000.

Humboldt Bay Fire would like to remind people to clean the lint from clothes dryers prior to every use and to only use the appliance when at home. Also ensure regularly that the venting is clear of obstructions, lint, and is securely attached to the appliance.