Press release from Humboldt Bay Fire:

At approximately 3:30 am on Friday January 3rd, Humboldt Bay Fire (HBF) was dispatched to a reported structure fire at the 1000 block of 4th Street with reported victims trapped. HBF responded with a first alarm assignment consisting of two fire engines, one ladder truck, and a Battalion Chief.

The Battalion Chief arrived on scene first and reported smoke visible from the building, and requested more assistance from neighboring Fire Departments, activating a second and third alarm. Truck 8181 arrived on scene, entered the burning building and rescued two critical burn victims that were both treated by HBF paramedics at the scene then transported to St. Joseph Hospital via City Ambulance. E8115 and E8112 arrived on scene and assisted with fire attack. The rest of the structure was confirmed to have no other trapped victims. Fire control was achieved in approximately 20 minutes. PG&E responded and secured all utilities to the structure.

The pre-fire value of the structure was approximately $565,000 with estimated fire loss totaling $50,000. During the initial removal of the victims, 3 of our fire personnel sustained minor burn injuries. One was treated at scene by HBF paramedics and two were later treated at St. Joseph. Additionally, 4 other civilian burn victims, who were not at scene upon our arrival, arrived at St. Josephs Hospital with burn injuries from this incident.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation with the assistance from EPD due to suspicious circumstances. This is an active and ongoing investigation and anyone with information is asked to call EPD’s Criminal Investigation Unit at 707-441-4300.

Humboldt Bay Fire would like to thank our mutual aid partners from City Ambulance, Arcata Fire, Samoa Fire, Fortuna Fire along with the Eureka Police Department and PG&E who all assisted directly with the incident or provided coverage for the rest of the emergency calls in our area while the fire was being mitigated.

Humboldt Bay Fire would like to remind everyone that if you see smoke immediately call 9-1-1. Prompt activation of the 9-1-1 system will ensure quick response for emergency services.