Press release from Humboldt Bay Fire:

At 1:46 P.M. Humboldt Bay Fire units, including 3 engines, a ladder truck, and two duty chiefs were dispatched to a reported structure fire in a commercial cabinet shop on Eich Road in the Humboldt Hill area. The first responding engine reported seeing a column of smoke from the Herrick Avenue highway on-ramp and upgraded the fire to a commercial second-alarm. Three mutual aid units responded with two going to the scene and one providing station coverage.

The first arriving unit reported a working fire in a commercial cabinet shop with an exposure threat to an adjoining storage unit. They set up for a defensive fire attack operation after securing a water supply from the hydrant at Country Club Market. The second arriving unit also secured a water supply and also set up for the defensive attack. These actions prevented any damage to the adjoining structure, crews were able to control the fire within 30 minutes. An on-scene employee was able to confirm no-one was inside the business.

Second alarm mutual aid resources assisted on scene with safety functions and also covered HBF stations, responding to additional calls within the Humboldt Bay Fire jurisdiction.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation but initial assessment indicates it was accidental in nature. PG&E quickly arrived on scene to assist with controlling electrical and gas utilities, City Ambulance provided on-scene Advanced Life Support transport assistance.

Damage was estimated at $2,000,000 with the building and all equipment a total loss.There were no injuries to fire personnel on scene nor injuries to any business employees.

Humboldt Bay Fire would like to thank its allied partners for their assistance with coverage during this incident. Arcata Fire Protection District, Samoa Fire District, and Blue Lake Fire District helped to ensure the safety of the HBF community while our resources were committed. Also we would like to thank HCSO and CHP for helping with traffic control.