January 3, 2026

Arcata Fire District

Office | (707) 825-2000

www.arcatafire.org

 

COMMERCIAL STRUCTURE FIRE—800 BLOCK OF 10TH STREET, ARCATA, CA

 

ARCATA, CA - On January 2, 2026, at approximately 2:30 p.m., while returning from a previous medical call, an Arcata Fire District engine company assigned to the downtown station observed a large amount of smoke coming from the downtown commercial district. The engine captain immediately requested a full commercial fire response and proceeded toward the source of the smoke.

 

The engine company arrived moments later in the 800 block of 10th Street and encountered a well-established, rapidly spreading fire in a large, two-story commercial structure with apartments above and businesses below. The fire had already spread laterally to multiple occupancies through concealed spaces within the interconnected structures.

 

As additional Arcata Fire District resources arrived, an offensive fire suppression strategy was implemented. Fire personnel prioritized the immediate evacuation of apartment residents while simultaneously attempting to gain control of the fire. Strong winds significantly accelerated fire growth through the older buildings. During operations, a natural gas manifold serving the structures was damaged, and firefighters were unable to shut down the gas supply. Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) was requested. Due to the proximity of the fire, PG&E crews were required to excavate at the intersection of 10th and H Streets and crimp the gas line to safely shut off service to the affected structures.

 

Multiple fire engines, ladder trucks, recalled off-duty personnel, and chief officers from agencies throughout Humboldt County were requested through the county mutual aid system. As additional resources arrived, command determined they would be deployed to prevent fire spread to surrounding city blocks, including the historic Minor Theater, which was experiencing direct heat, ember exposure, and smoke impingement due to strong southerly winds. Crews were assigned to rooftops in downwind areas to extinguish embers and suppress spot fires as they ignited.

 

As interior firefighting operations continued, conditions deteriorated and it became evident that the fire posed a significant life safety threat to personnel. Due to structural instability and collapse occurring in multiple locations, the decision was made to evacuate firefighters from the involved structures.

 

Fire apparatus were repositioned and defensive operations continued for several hours. Power and gas service to several downtown businesses were shut off to ensure operational safety. City of Arcata staff were requested to increase water flow to hydrants in the area, as master streams were placing heavy demand on the water system. As sections of the buildings collapsed into the street, two excavators were requested to open portions of the structures, allowing water streams to reach areas of free-burning fire.

 

As firefighters gained control of the incident, the American Red Cross responded to assist with the temporary housing needs of displaced apartment residents. There were no reported injuries to civilians or firefighters.

 

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. The Arcata Fire District is working in coordination with the Humboldt County Fire-Arson Investigation Team. Anyone with information related to this fire is encouraged to contact the Arcata Fire District at (707) 825-2000.

 

Fire suppression resources responded from as far away as Weott in Southern Humboldt. Participating agencies included Arcata Fire District, Humboldt Bay Fire, Samoa Fire, Kneeland Fire, Westhaven Fire, Loleta Fire, Ferndale Fire, Fortuna Fire, Fieldbrook Fire, Blue Lake Fire, Rio Dell Fire, Arcata-Mad River Ambulance, CAL FIRE Trinidad, and CAL FIRE Weott. Every ladder truck in Humboldt County was deployed to this incident. Approximately 80 fire suppression personnel and an additional 20 support personnel were involved. Without the mutual aid support of our partner agencies, this fire could have spread across several city blocks and resulted in significant injuries and loss of life.

 

The Arcata Fire District also extends its appreciation to the City of Arcata Engineering, Building, Public Works, and Water Departments; Arcata Police Department; Arcata Fire District Volunteer Logistics Unit; Cal Poly Humboldt University Police Department; California Department of Fish and Wildlife; California Highway Patrol; Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office; Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office; Humboldt County Environmental Health Department; and the Humboldt County Chapter of the American Red Cross for providing traffic control, logistical support, and technical expertise throughout the incident.

 

Additionally, the Arcata Fire District thanks the citizens of Arcata for their assistance and continued support of the impacted business owners and residents. We recognize the profound impact this incident has had on lives and livelihoods, and we encourage the community to continue showing compassion and kindness toward those affected.

Preliminary damage assessments indicate that seven businesses, including associated apartments, were destroyed, and at least five additional businesses sustained heat, smoke, or water damage. Initial loss estimates are approximately $18 million; however, this figure may change as assessments continue.

 

The Arcata Fire District will release additional information as it becomes available. Thank you for your continued support      ####