Press Release from Blue Lake Volunteer Fire Department:

On May 3, 2026 at approximately 2:57am Blue Lake Fire Department was dispatched to a reported residential structure fire at the 100 block of Leeveren Court. When the initial dispatch came in, our Blue Lake Fire Engine was at the scene of another residential fire in Arcata. One Blue Lake Engine was immediately released and responded to Leeverlen as well as the Blue Lake Chief. Upon arrival crews found a single story residential structure fully involved.

Engine 8514 began setting up water supply upon arrival. Fire conditions were advanced and a defensive attack was initiated. Arcata Fire, Fieldbrook Fire, and Kneeland fire were also at scene. Fire personnel had the fire knocked down in approximately 1 hour after the initial dispatch.

One dog, and [3] pet birds unfortunately perished in the fire, one dog and four cats were not accounted for at scene after firefighters looked through the home after the fire was controlled. Mutual aid resources from Arcata were released during overhaul operations; crews remained on scene for clean up until 7am. The cause of the fire is still under investigation; at this time it is unclear as to what started the fire. It is important to note that Blue Lake Fire works closely with our allied partners and supports them in mutual aid requests and they do for us. From the time of dispatch our crew made it to scene in approximately 15 minutes from an active fire scene in Arcata. Blue Lake Fire would like to thank our allied partners for their assistance during this incident, Fieldbrook Fire, Arcata Fire, and Kneeland Fire. We would also like to thank Blue Lake Public Works, and HCSO.

A GoFundMe link for the family.