Photo: Arcata Fire.

Press release from Arcata Fire:

On April 16, 2023, at 12:09 P.M. firefighters from the Arcata Fire Protection District, Humboldt Bay Fire, Blue Lake Fire, and Westhaven Fire responded to a reported residential structure fire on the 2500 Block of Baldwin Street in Arcata.  

The first arriving firefighters found a single-story home with smoke coming from the rear and eave line of the structure. Arcata Police Officers had confirmed that all people were out of the structure. Some of the occupants were trying to re-enter the structure, reportedly, to rescue four dogs still inside.  

Firefighters immediately entered the smoke-filled structure and located a back bedroom that had fire in it. Other arriving firefighters were able to enter other portions of the home and located two dogs that were still inside. The dogs were removed and secured with a neighbor. None of the dogs showed signs of smoke inhalation.  

Firefighters had the fire controlled in about 15 minutes. Due to the large accumulation of personal belongings throughout the house, it took firefighters approximately one hour to ensure that all hot spots had been extinguished. Humboldt Bay Fire and Westhaven Fire covered the Arcata Fire District during the incident.  

The house sustained an estimated $75,000 in damage. The Red Cross was contacted to assist with lodging as the house was deemed uninhabitable. The cause of the fire remains under investigation but does not appear suspicious at this time. There were no injuries to firefighters, civilians, or pets at this incident.  

The Arcata Fire Protection District wants to remind everyone, if you ever experience a structure fire, get out and stay out for your safety. Thirty-three percent of injuries to civilians at structure fires result from the civilian trying to re-enter the fire or fighting the fire.