[Update: Suspect in Custody] Person Reportedly Sets Themselves on Fire Inside Flamingo Hotel Room

Fire and medical personnel were dispatched to the Flamingo Hotel on Broadway late Thursday morning after smoke was reported coming from the building.

Humboldt Bay Fire responded to the report of smoke at the Eureka location just before 11:30 a.m. on October 9. Upon arrival, firefighters relayed to dispatch that they’d be “breaching the door.”* A short while later, an ambulance was requested, code 3 (lights and sirens), for a single patient.

According to scanner traffic, initial reports indicate an occupant had lit themselves on fire before the fire spread to the structure prior to being controlled.

Eureka Police is on scene along with fire personnel.

Please remember that information gathered from initial reports is subject to revision as more facts become available.

Update 11:49 a.m.: Our reporter Ryan Hutson is on scene and stating law enforcement activity is focused on a rear room where officers have been seen firing dozens of pepper balls through a window after breaking it.

EPD officers at the back of a room where, according to scanner traffic, a person may have lit themselves on fire. Those at scene relayed there was “one victim.” At this time it is unknown if the victim is the sole occupant of the room and the same person reported to have lit themselves on fire. [Photos by Ryan Hutson]

Update 1 p.m.:

The incident is ongoing as EPD officers attempt to speak with a subject inside the hotel room.

Our reporter, Ryan Hutson spoke with EPD’s Commander LaFrance who clarified that despite the original call stating a person had lit themselves on fire, those reports were incorrect. Currently, LaFrance explained, EPD has patrol officers, members of CSET (Community Safety Engagement Team) including crisis negotiators, CARE (Crisis Alternative Response Eureka) members, as well as behavioral health and mental health professionals. LaFrance described the subject as being “in crisis” as well as having some felony warrants.

[Photos by Ryan Hutson]

Interview with EPD’s Public Information Officer, Laura Montagna, and Commander LaFrance:

Update 1:25 p.m.:

EPD officers have removed the suspect from the room. According to scanner traffic, the suspect is being examined by medical personnel.

[Photo by Ryan Hutson]

Note: we corrected the spelling on the word breach.