One Dead, One Injured in Rio Dell Structure Fire

New details have emerged about the early morning fire that broke out Thursday in the 1000 block of Riverside Road in Rio Dell, claiming the life of a man believed to be in his 50s and sending a 77-year-old man to the hospital with a hand injury, according to local authorities.

The blaze was reported around 7:20 a.m. Thursday, with thick smoke visible from several blocks away. Witnesses described flames engulfing the front corner of the home and said nearby residents rushed to douse the fire with garden hoses in a desperate attempt to slow its spread before firefighters arrived.

According to Rio Dell Volunteer Fire Department (VFD) Chief Shane Wilson, crews arrived to find heavy fire activity at a residence that had long been under abatement for structural issues. Though the building had no electricity, gas, or legal occupancy status, the investigation revealed that it was, in fact, occupied.

Chief Wilson confirmed that one man died in the fire. While the Humboldt County Coroner’s Office has not yet formally identified the victim, he is suspected to be the 77-year-old man’s son. Both men were reportedly associated with the property.

The elder man was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment of a hand laceration. He told emergency responders he awoke to find the house already on fire.

In a heroic but ultimately tragic attempt to rescue the second occupant, Chief Wilson entered the burning home. However, worsening fire conditions and a roof collapse forced him to retreat. In a phone interview with Redheaded Blackbelt, Wilson expressed his condolences to the family, his voice heavy with emotion as he recalled being unable to reach the man inside.

Chief Wilson is no stranger to risking his life in the line of duty. In 2017, he was lauded for entering a burning home without full protective gear to save a paraplegic man, suffering smoke inhalation in the process. In this latest incident, he was able to reach the room where the victim was believed to be, but the collapse and advancing flames prevented a rescue.

According to Wilson, witnesses reported that a candle or other open flame may have been in use, as the structure lacked active utilities. The official cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Roughly half of the redwood-framed home—particularly the bedroom section—was salvaged. The living room and kitchen were destroyed. A neighboring house, just ten feet away, sustained radiant heat damage and some exterior charring.

While Rio Dell sustained significant damage during the 2022 earthquake, Wilson noted that the home’s abatement issues predated the quake by several years.

As of 11:30 a.m., overhaul operations were nearing completion, and the Humboldt County Coroner had concluded its on-scene investigation.

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of the fire and work to confirm the identity of the deceased.

Earlier: 77-Year-Old Taken to Hospital After Housefire in Rio Dell This Morning

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