From Humboldt Bay Fire:

In the early morning hours of December 4th, 2020, Humboldt Bay Fire responded to 2 reported Structure Fires within 10 minutes.

The first fire was reported at 0223 hours at the 1900 block of Fairfield Street and caused minor damage to a multi family residence due to a malfunctioning electric clothes dryer. The second fire was reported at 0231 hrs at the 300 block of 3rd St and caused major damage to an unattached storage structure at a large residential over commercial occupancy. The cause of this fire is still under investigation. The two fires were unrelated. There were no firefighter or civilian injuries. Damage is estimated at $16,000 between both fires.

Humboldt Bay Fire responded with 3 Engines, 1 Truck and 1 Chief Officer to the first fire. Upon dispatch of the second fire, the fourth Humboldt Bay Fire Engine and a second Chief Officer were dispatched, as well as a Battalion Chief and Engine from the Arcata Fire District.

A quick knockdown of the first fire allowed for a rapid redeployment of resources to the second fire. Arcata Fire District was redeployed to provide coverage to Humboldt Bay Fire jurisdiction during the incidents.

Humboldt Bay Fire would like to thank the Arcata Fire District, PG&E, and City Ambulance for their assistance during the incident. Multiple multi-unit calls can tax the resources of any fire department, which validates the need for mutual aid agreements with neighboring agencies. This ensures that sufficient resources can be provided to emergency scenes. In the Humboldt Bay Fire jurisdiction, 35% of the time when one emergency call is dispatched, a second unrelated emergency call is also dispatched.

Humboldt Bay Fire would like to remind community members to check your smoke detectors and fire alarms, as well as evaluate your homes for unique areas like detached buildings that may call for early warning systems.