On 9/18/2024 at 11:09 A.M., units from the Arcata Fire District,
Blue Lake Fire, Samoa Fire, Humboldt Bay Fire, Cal Fire, and Humboldt County
Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a reported residential structure fire at the 600 Block
of Montana Road in McKinleyville.
The first arriving Arcata Fire units found a single-family residence with flames on the
exterior that were starting to spread inside. They also found fire on the exterior of a
nearby house and a pick truck fully engulfed in flames. Arcata Fire personnel were told
that there were still occupants in the residence that may need rescue. Arcata Fire
personnel contacted a resident inside who was unaware of the fire and assisted them
from the structure. Humboldt County Sheriff’s Deputies entered the residence and
confirmed that all other occupants and animals were out of the house. Arcata Fire
personnel attacked the fire and extinguished fire on both houses and the pickup truck
within ten minutes. Additional Arcata Fire personnel and Arcata-Mad River Ambulance
personnel arrived on scene to assess the occupants of the residence who advised they
were uninjured. Blue Lake Fire and Humboldt Bay Fire personnel arrived on scene and
assisted with complete extinguishment of hot spots. Additionally, Arcata Fire District’s
Volunteer Logistics Unit responded to provide support on scene.
Arcata Fire personnel conducted an investigation into the cause of the fire. It was
determined that the fire originated at the vehicle and spread to the two houses. The
cause remains under investigation at this time. Damage to both houses and the vehicle
is estimated at $30,000.
Arcata Fire wants to thank the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance.
Their secondary search of the residence allowed fire resources to focus on
extinguishment of the fire, reducing risk to additional victims and minimizing damage to
both structures.
This incident is an excellent example of many agencies working together for the benefit
of all communities.
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