[UPDATE 9:45 a.m.] Fire at the Ritz

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Firefighters attacking the source of the flames and smoke that forced tenants of the Ritz building out of their residences last night. [Photo by Greg Beaumont]

A fire at the Ritz on 3rd and F Street in Eureka this morning left a slightly battered building but the structure is sound. About 4 a.m. , explained Battalion Chief Kent Hulbert, Humboldt Bay Fire received a report from tenants in the upstairs apartments concerned that they smelled smoke.

Firefighters arrived on the scene and initially didn’t see anything but, Hulbert said, “after crawling into the building between the floors, they found smoke.” More crews responded to the scene.

Eventually, he said, “The Ritz sign began to give off smoke and a little bit of flame.” Firefighters, tore into the building, and managed to put out the fire.

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Firefighters attack a fire that started in the Ritz building early this morning. [All photos below provided by Battalion Chief Kent Hulbert]

The fire is out this morning leaving a gaping hole but no one was injured and the building is repairable.

Hulbert is glad that an alert tenant called in the situation. “One of our biggest fears that nobody calls,” Hulbert said.

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UPDATE 9:45 a.m.: Press release by Humboldt Bay Fire:

On May 11, at approximately 0400 hrs. Humboldt Bay Fire responded to an investigation of an odor of smoke at 433 Third Street. The first arriving unit found an odor of smoke inside the building on the second floor and observed smoke between the ceiling of the first and second floor that was getting thicker. Another engine was requested for assistance, then crews observed smoke and a small amount of fire on the exterior of the building at a light fixture above the entrance to the Ritz Bar. A full structure fire response was initiated including 2 additional engines and two chief officers. The building was evacuated of all tenants. Crews arrived and removed the roofing and ceiling of the exterior overhang and attacked the fire, extinguishing it within 10 minutes of arrival. Crews then removed more of the overhang to ensure that no more of the building was compromised. Two businesses had smoke inside and were ventilated with fans. The fire is under investigation, but appears to have started in a light fixture and is suspected to be caused by an electrical short.

No injuries were reported.

All tenants were able to return to their apartments and businesses by 0600 hrs.

Damage is estimated at $6000.

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ED Denson
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ED Denson
7 years ago

The Ritz was such a wonderful restaurant. Too bad they moved, and lost the ambience.

hmm
Guest
hmm
7 years ago
Reply to  ED Denson

The new building is awful,(bayfront one) but Im sure it gets a lot of tourist. Personally I never found the restaurant to be too great. Its a restaurant owned by Chinese people, that serves both Italian and Japanese food, cooked by Mexicans, and served by white people. Im all for multiculturalism but if you want to do something well, maybe pick a hat.

Mogtx
Guest
7 years ago

I used to be the bouncer there during my college yrs glad it didn’t burn down

Greg Beaumont
Guest
7 years ago

Mogtx – my fiancee’s sister used to bartend there back in the day – Michelle. The building is fine – the tenants all went to Denny’s till they let us back in. Our Apt was full of smoke but the main thing is someone called soon enough and no one got hurt!

EmR
Guest
EmR
7 years ago
Reply to  Greg Beaumont

I appreciate it, when people don’t just shrug something like that off, and UTILIZE the services that are there for exactly this reason!

Good call residents!

Mogtx
Guest
7 years ago

That is awesome that everyone is safe thanks for letting me know .I’ve put a few people head first out those front doors . Again so glad for fire department job well done . Everyone involved have a great day .