Arcata Fire District press release:

At 03:42 this morning the Fortuna Interagency Emergency Communications Center (ECC) received an report of an activated commercial fire alarm at Redwood Automotive 513 J Street, Arcata, CA 95521. Within one minute, 911 calls indicated fire visible in the structure.

Upon arrival, Arcata Fire District Engine 8215 found considerable smoke in the area emanating from Redwood Automotive. E8215 forced entry into the business and initiated an aggressive interior attack on the fire while E8216 established water supply lines from the fire hydrant. E8217 set up as a Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC) for firefighter safety. The fire was contained in approximately 15 minutes. The fire cause has been determined to be electrical related.

Damage to the building and contents is estimated to be $10,000. The combination of a working fire alarm and the actions of the ECC to “go big early” by including Auto and Mutual aid resources and request PG&E on the initial dispatch significantly increased our ability to quickly limit fire damage to the business.

The Arcata Fire District responded with 3 engines, 3 chief officers, 1 volunteer logistics unit, and several off duty and volunteer firefighters. Auto and mutual aid resources included 1 engine and 1 chief officer from Humboldt Bay Fire, 1 engine and 1 chief officer from Blue Lake Fire and 1 engine from Fieldbrook Fire.

The Arcata police department initiated evacuations to neighboring residences, provided scene safety and traffic control throughout the incident. PG&E electric and gas crews quickly secured power and gas to the building. Emergency Crews remained on scene for approximately 3 hours. There were no injuries to civilians nor emergency personnel. The Arcata Fire District has Auto and Mutual aid agreements with all neighboring jurisdictions to routinely provide and receive emergency resources in the most expedient and efficient manner. Such was the case for this incident.