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Eureka’s abandoned former Sizzler building, on the corner of Fifth and T streets, caught fire overnight. According to a press release from Humboldt Bay Fire, the structure showed “obvious signs” of transient activity, including “bedding, trash, numerous hypodermic needles and human waste.”

The fire crew got the blaze under control within 20 minutes. The release said the fire caused an estimated $30,000-worth of damages, though as the Outpost reported back in February, this building is slated for demolition, along with the other two on that block, to be replaced by a new Starbucks and an as-yet-unidentified drive-thru restaurant.

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Press release from Humboldt Bay Fire:

At 12:58 A.M. this morning three engines, a ladder truck and a Battalion Chief from Humboldt Bay Fire responded to a reported commercial structure fire on the 1900 block of 5th St. in Eureka.

The first arriving engine reported smoke was visible from the several blocks away and arrived on scene and found a single story commercial building with heavy smoke and fire showing from the rear of the building.

A commercial 2nd alarm was requested for additional resources to the scene to assist with firefighting operations and coverage of Humboldt Bay Fire’s jurisdiction. Crews initiated an interior fire attack and searched the structure for any potential occupants. The fire was controlled in 20 minutes and there were no civilian or Firefighter injuries.

Firefighters remained on scene for an additional 2 hours to ventilate the building of smoke, check for extension of the fire into hidden spaces and ensure the fire was completely extinguished.

The building had not been occupied for approximately two years and during the origin and cause investigation there were obvious signs of transient activity around the building and in concealed exterior storage areas against the building. This includes bedding, trash, numerous hypodermic needles and human waste.

Firefighters were able safely navigate these hazards to get hose lines in place to extinguish the fire. Due to the signs of transient activity and results of the fire investigation it is determined the fire was human caused and the fire started in an exterior storage shed that was directly attached to the building. Estimated damage to the building is $30,000.

Humboldt Bay Fire would like to thank the following agencies for their assistance: Arcata Fire District, Samoa-Peninsula Fire District, Eureka Police Department, City Ambulance and PG&E.