Explosive device forces evacuation
01/02/12 15:01 Filed in: Eureka Fire Department
On January 31, 2012 at 7:04pm four engines and two duty officers responded to a structure fire in the 200 block of Church Street. The first-arriving engine reported one patient in the alley and a two-story apartment with heavy fire and black smoke coming from the alley-side of the structure.
The fire was initially controlled within 20 minutes and was contained to a single apartment with crews performing fire attack, ventilation, search and RIC functions. The apartment's two residents were able to escape the flames before firefighters arrived but suffered significant burns and were transported to St. Joesph Hospital.
The initial fire was knocked down within 15 minutes and firefighters began overhaul and salvage operations when a possible explosive device was located in a closet. All firefighters were evacuated from the building and the Sherriff's Bomb Squad was requested. The forced evacuation caused interior firefighting operations to be discontinued and consequently the fire grew over a two hour period, extending throughout the entire apartment complex and adjoining house. Fire crews had to perform exterior attacks to knock the fire back until a bomb technician was finally able to enter the structure and remove the explosive device. Firefighters were then able to reenter the structure and control the fire. Firefighters remained at the location for over six hours. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Losses are estimated to be $2,000,000 for the structure and $100,000 for the contents.
The fire was initially controlled within 20 minutes and was contained to a single apartment with crews performing fire attack, ventilation, search and RIC functions. The apartment's two residents were able to escape the flames before firefighters arrived but suffered significant burns and were transported to St. Joesph Hospital.
The initial fire was knocked down within 15 minutes and firefighters began overhaul and salvage operations when a possible explosive device was located in a closet. All firefighters were evacuated from the building and the Sherriff's Bomb Squad was requested. The forced evacuation caused interior firefighting operations to be discontinued and consequently the fire grew over a two hour period, extending throughout the entire apartment complex and adjoining house. Fire crews had to perform exterior attacks to knock the fire back until a bomb technician was finally able to enter the structure and remove the explosive device. Firefighters were then able to reenter the structure and control the fire. Firefighters remained at the location for over six hours. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Losses are estimated to be $2,000,000 for the structure and $100,000 for the contents.
Structure fire, Little Fairfield St.
01/02/12 07:55 Filed in: Eureka Fire Department
On January 31, 2012, at 4:59 a.m. units from Humboldt Bay Fire (Eureka Fire & Humboldt Fire) responded to a reported structure fire at 3748 Little Fairfield Street, Eureka. The reporting party told dispatchers that flames were visible on the front porch of the structure.
The first arriving engine found heavy smoke and fire coming from the front of the single story residence. The crew established a water supply and gained access to the structure. Additional arriving units ventilated the structure through the roof to remove the smoke, turned off the utilities, and searched the house to check for trapped occupants and fire extension. The fire had extended into the attic and was controlled in approximately 25 minutes, with crews remaining on scene for approximately three hours for overhaul and complete extinguishment. The occupant was already out of the residence upon fire department arrival and suffered some inhalation and secondary degree burns when he attempted to re-enter the structure searching for his pets. He refused transport by ambulance personnel.
The first arriving engine found heavy smoke and fire coming from the front of the single story residence. The crew established a water supply and gained access to the structure. Additional arriving units ventilated the structure through the roof to remove the smoke, turned off the utilities, and searched the house to check for trapped occupants and fire extension. The fire had extended into the attic and was controlled in approximately 25 minutes, with crews remaining on scene for approximately three hours for overhaul and complete extinguishment. The occupant was already out of the residence upon fire department arrival and suffered some inhalation and secondary degree burns when he attempted to re-enter the structure searching for his pets. He refused transport by ambulance personnel.
Nighttime Water Rescue Incident by Humboldt Bay Fire
10/01/12 08:43 Filed in: Eureka Fire Department
Humboldt Bay Fire units were dispatched to a possible water rescue in Humboldt Bay at the southern end of the first span of the Samoa Bridge. An individual had jumped from the bridge in to the water. California Highway Patrol and Eureka Police officers responded to the top of the bridge and located the individual in the water.
Due to the cold water conditions and darkness this incident was determined to be a High Risk incident for rescue personnel. However, Humboldt Bay Fire units arrived on scene and deployed rescue swimmers in to the bay as they were aware of the reduced survival time of poorly equipped victims. Other personnel prepared for downstream operations should the tide carry the victim away from the rescue swimmers. As the rescue swimmers crossed the 300 foot wide channel, the victim was able to make his way to shore on Indian Island. The rescue swimmers crossed the entire channel in seven minutes, locating the victim laying in mud and grass. At that point the rescue swimmers quickly assessed the patient who was showing signs of severe hypothermia and an altered level of consciousness.
The rescue swimmers then relocated the victim to Highway 255 at the north end of the first span of the bridge where additional Humboldt Bay Fire and EMS personnel were able to begin treatment of the victim. At that point the rescue swimmers were medically assessed due to the cold water temperatures. The victim was transported to St. Joseph Hospital for further treatment. The rescue swimmers declined further treatment.
This incident's success is the direct result of the early notification by passersby, combined efforts of emergency services and the U.S. Coast Guard who provided significant support, and Humboldt Bay Fire's recent formation of a certified Water Rescue Team. Humboldt Bay Fire wants to remind everyone that Humboldt Bay is extremely cold water and can cause hypothermia in a short time. Please use caution around the water.
Due to the cold water conditions and darkness this incident was determined to be a High Risk incident for rescue personnel. However, Humboldt Bay Fire units arrived on scene and deployed rescue swimmers in to the bay as they were aware of the reduced survival time of poorly equipped victims. Other personnel prepared for downstream operations should the tide carry the victim away from the rescue swimmers. As the rescue swimmers crossed the 300 foot wide channel, the victim was able to make his way to shore on Indian Island. The rescue swimmers crossed the entire channel in seven minutes, locating the victim laying in mud and grass. At that point the rescue swimmers quickly assessed the patient who was showing signs of severe hypothermia and an altered level of consciousness.
The rescue swimmers then relocated the victim to Highway 255 at the north end of the first span of the bridge where additional Humboldt Bay Fire and EMS personnel were able to begin treatment of the victim. At that point the rescue swimmers were medically assessed due to the cold water temperatures. The victim was transported to St. Joseph Hospital for further treatment. The rescue swimmers declined further treatment.
This incident's success is the direct result of the early notification by passersby, combined efforts of emergency services and the U.S. Coast Guard who provided significant support, and Humboldt Bay Fire's recent formation of a certified Water Rescue Team. Humboldt Bay Fire wants to remind everyone that Humboldt Bay is extremely cold water and can cause hypothermia in a short time. Please use caution around the water.
$181,000.00 Grant for Fire Protection Systems for Eureka Fire Stations
06/01/12 12:37 Filed in: Eureka Fire Department
The City of Eureka and Humboldt Bay Fire has been awarded a $181,000.00 grant for the installation of fire sprinkler and fire alarm systems at three City of Eureka fire stations. These systems will provide fire and life safety for our firefighting personnel as well as protect our critical public safety facilities, apparatus, and equipment.
The City's Headquarters station was built in 1973 and the Myrtle Avenue and Henderson Street stations were built in 1957. Building codes at that time did not require the installation of these systems.
In buildings equipped with fire sprinklers the fire death rate is reduced by 83% and property damage by 40-70%. Fire alarm systems provide early notification of fire including when the building is unoccpied.
The grant was awarded through the Federal Assistance to Firefighters grant program. The goal of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program is to assist firefighting and emergency response organizations in obtainaing
The City's Headquarters station was built in 1973 and the Myrtle Avenue and Henderson Street stations were built in 1957. Building codes at that time did not require the installation of these systems.
In buildings equipped with fire sprinklers the fire death rate is reduced by 83% and property damage by 40-70%. Fire alarm systems provide early notification of fire including when the building is unoccpied.
The grant was awarded through the Federal Assistance to Firefighters grant program. The goal of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program is to assist firefighting and emergency response organizations in obtainaing
Structure Fire
14/12/11 17:26 Filed in: Eureka Fire Department
At 9:34 am, Eureka Fire and Humboldt #1 Fire District were dispatched to a reported structure fire at 2411 Broadway, Pine Motel. Reports stated that there was smoke in the attic area above the motel rooms. The first arriving Engine company found smoke throughout the attic space above multiple rooms. Initially no active fire was found but upon further investigation an area of smoldering insulation was found. Engine companies quickly extinguished the fire limiting damage to a small area and checked the balance of the attic finding no additional fire. Engine companies provided protection for individual’s belongings limiting damage and assisted with clean-up of debris.
The fire was determined to be caused by faulty wiring and damage to the building was estimated at $5000.00. All occupants were displaced due the disconnection of electrical service. Red Cross is providing assistance for the displaced occupants. There were no injuries to occupants or fire personnel.
With the Holidays upon us, please check your smoke alarms for proper operation. Limit extension cord usage, properly maintain your water level in the Christmas trees and if you use candles, have them safely contained.
The fire was determined to be caused by faulty wiring and damage to the building was estimated at $5000.00. All occupants were displaced due the disconnection of electrical service. Red Cross is providing assistance for the displaced occupants. There were no injuries to occupants or fire personnel.
With the Holidays upon us, please check your smoke alarms for proper operation. Limit extension cord usage, properly maintain your water level in the Christmas trees and if you use candles, have them safely contained.