Late Friday evening, October 18th, Humboldt Bay Fire crews arrived to smoke and flames from a well involved working fire that was quickly upgraded to a second alarm, pulling in 4 Fire Engines, 1 Fire Truck, 2 Command Staff, 1 Public Information Officer and Fire Support from Humboldt Bay Fire, as well as 1 Fire Engine from Arcata Fire District.
The only occupant of the home made it out safely along with 2 dogs, leaving the fate of 3 ducks, 1 cat, and 1 turtle to the hands of rescuers inside.
The fire spread quickly from the first floor through the second and into the steep pitch of the attic. A strategic attack of the blaze including venting multiple holes in the roof resulted in fire control and a successful interior attack.
After gaining fire control, crews were able to locate the 3 ducks in the yard, and the cat hiding underneath the home. Humboldt Bay Fire crews remained hopeful of locating the turtle, as well.
Crews remained on scene until 4:00am. According to Humboldt Bay Firefighters the turtle was found safely tucked in his shell as well! Every person and pet made it out of this fire alive.
Preliminary damage assessments value the fire loss around $600,000. The cause of the fire is under investigation at this time.
