Press release from the Arcata Fire Protection District:

McKinleyville, CA - On August 4, 2023, the Arcata Fire Protection District was notified that an unidentified person was posing as an Arcata Fire Protection District (AFPD) Fire Inspector to gain entry into an apartment around 8:00A.M. This person then ‘tested’ the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and exited the home.

The Arcata Fire logo is on all personnel clothing and vehicles.

No fire inspection personnel were on duty yesterday conducting inspections, so the motive for the entry to the resident’s home is unclear.

The Arcata Fire Protection District does perform inspections on apartment complexes in our district, but will ALWAYS be in a marked vehicle, in department identifying clothing and will have an AFPD Identification. Inspections will always be between the hours of 10:00A.M. and 3:00P.M.

If you are still unsure of the identity of the person at your door, please do not hesitate to call AFPD’s office at (707) 825-2000 to ask if we have personnel in the field doing inspections that day.

If you have any information about the imposter attempting to gain access to yours or a neighbor’s home, please contact the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office at (707) 445-7251 or Arcata Police at (707) 822-2428.