[UPDATE 5:21 p.m.: Live Video of Demolition] Breaking: Fully Involved Structure Fire at 823 10th Street in Arcata; Ruptured Gas Main Reported
Structure fire in Arcata. [photo by Nat Cardos KMUD reporter]
Emergency personnel on scene reported a ruptured gas main in the building, adding to the hazard as firefighters work to contain the blaze.
The location is in the Ace Hardware area near a kitchen store. Initial reports indicate occupants may have been inside the building at the time of dispatch.
Fire command requested a truck from Humboldt Bay, three additional engines, and an ambulance. An Arcata all-call was issued as crews continued to respond. H Street has been shut down, and incoming units were advised to use alternate routes.
This is a developing situation. Information is being reported as it is gathered and may change as more details become available. We will update as soon as additional confirmed information is released.
UPDATE 2:53 p.m.: People calling in and reporting they are trapped on the roof, according to the scanner.
Four additional engines requested by firefighters.
PG&E shows power out to about 43 customers in the area.
UPDATE 3 p.m.: Photos from the scene by Ryan Hutson.
[Photos by Ryan Hutson]
[Photos by Ryan Hutson]
[Photos by Ryan Hutson]
UPDATE 3:45 p.m.: Heartbreaking photos from our photographer Mark McKenna.
[Photo by Mark McKenna]
[Photo by Mark McKenna]
[Photo by Mark McKenna]
UPDATE 4:18 p.m.:
PG&E is bringing in an excavator presumably to deal with the gas main though we have no official word at this time. [Photo by Ryan Hutson]
UPDATE: Humboldt Bay Fire states, “IF YOU ARE DISPLACED: The City of Arcata is working with the Red Cross as well as State and County officials to provide access to resources and safety to you. Please contact the Red Cross at (707) 496-8278 for next steps to access these services.”
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Around 12:45 as I went into the Arcata coop I smelled a nasty sulfur scent. I looked around, no one else seemed to be sniffing the air. When I got back into my car after shopping a few minutes later, it seemed even more prominent. I guess I should have called 911. Sorry Hensel’s.
Normal co op stank
So odor of brimstone scented around co op?
Djinn?
Many such cases.
3:17…Cal Fire and Loleta VFD and Hum Bay trucks blazed thru Eureka.
Loleta drove past me a few minutes ago. I hear more sirens. Fucking wind.
3:51 Fortuna just drove by.
We were book shopping next door and came out to this! Hope no one is injured!
Pretty sure you got the point of origin picture! We saw smoke&flames from up by Wildberries.
Anyone know if that lil spot between front building and Ace kitchen shop is occupied these days?
An art studio; four artists lost a lot of work.
Any word on Hensels
Lost Coast Outpost updated a couple hours ago from the I Street side of the fire saying it was hard to see, but it looked like the main Hensel’s was fine but that the Paint/Kitchen/Candy buildings were not looking so lucky.
Fire Sale?
Did they get everyone out safe I hope everyone is ok.
Right, I was thinking the same thing.
Somehow no one was injured.
I just pray that there are no people trapped inside that burning building, and there will be no injuries to the firefighters. Dear God, what would we do without these brave men and women in our local fire departments. May God bless each and every one of them.
Rio Dell Engine and Chief just came thru Eureka code 3 in route to the fire
Now Humboldt Bay fire has something going on at 3rd and E in Eureka,numerous fire and police vehicles on scene
Auto accident. Jaws reqested.
IMHO:
Wasn’t that building rebuilt a while ago ?
What a disaster!
Shame to let it spoil
Yes and what does it have to do with your opinion?
Mooching or trolling ?
They add ‘IMHO’ to all their posts to avoid being banned.
Except for the one directly above.
IMHO:
I kinda like it
Bozo’s got style
Oh no, it looks like Northtown Books is gone, too. I hope they can keep it to the single block.
Oh, you read books!! I’ll give you an upvote for that😂
Really? Now?
Guests cannot give upvotes.
The Great Fire of Alexandria in the Dark Ages,
All the woke knowledge of Arcata lost in a plume of smoke, how ironic!!!🤣
Flames are shooting out the roof!
Ladder truck using fire cannon to attack fire from above! Building Fully Engulfed as of 3:35 pm. Townspeople are all out watching the action. Prayers for all involved. And Kudos to Arcata Fire Department.
This is so sad. I hope all the living beings made it out safe. Thank you Ryan, you have nerves of steel.
She does! I was terrified for her while I was watching the live and at the same time impressed by the video she was sending out.
Thank you Kym and Ryan and the rest of Redheaded Blackbelt. This kind of reporting is why we love you folks.
Just a note of unnecessary advice, Stay out of the smoke! Structure smoke is far more toxic than anything that you might want to breathe. The story will come out without risking your health…
Boy, does this bring back memories……
Hello Ernie, we met in 1984 at the Eel river cafe, chowin down on pancakes before Steelhead fishing with my Pop. . I love to see youre posts, knowing you are one that has been here longer than me. Hello again and godspeed where our lives lead !
Especially in all that smoke. Have we heard anything about the Seely Titlow building where the paint dept. is?
Pretty sure that’s where it started?
My friends lived in that building and lost almost everything they owned. We started a GoFundMe for them if everyone can share it and support
https://www.gofundme.com/f/helping-jenna-and-sarah-start-over-after-the-fire
Memories of Marinos!!! The best bar in Arcata! 👍
https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.madriverunion.com/articles/remembering-long-lost-marinos-club-september-26-2011/&sa=U&ved=2ahUKEwjQn4jljO6RAxXgnCYFHR8lMj4QFnoECAIQAg&usg=AOvVaw1GXAOpqIFp6AKsFPrWxHLA
Yes, Marinos was a grievous loss.
Dark, padded black booths, backlit wall of booze. Best place in town for a quiet conversation or some serious drinking.
Don’t forget those velvet paintings. Double kamikazis in happy hour. Great place.
Oh yeah, and does anyone remember that place in east Eureka between 4th n 5th with a Mansard roof where you could get a prime rib dinner at 1am? The walls were covered with Vargas style nudes on black velvet.
OH’s ???
Arts gallery
Michaels I believed, criminal that it went for the jail’s parking lot. Killer dinners for two.
Michael’s did not have a Mansard roof. I think Bill was thinking of Art’s Gallery, the building is still there and was last an Asian restaurant.
Art’s Gallery, on 5th near V St
Yes, it was Art’s Gallery. Thanks guys.
Thanks for that link! That was one of my first thoughts too, loved Marinos.
It and the old NEC building with all their contents were lost in that fire.
Wasnt Casa de que pasa where Humbrews is now?
That was such a great spot too! Didnt they do the half price pitchers of beer when it rained?
I think it burned in 94?
That general area there sure has seen a lot of fires.
Super heartbreaking to lose more of old Arcata buildings. Really hoping all the stores can re-open.
Sad day yet again.
Those winds were insane, mad props to all the firefighters!!!
Casa de Que Pasa was on 9th Street in the Feurewerker Furniture building, now Hensel’s Hardware. The building also had In the Best of Taste wine bar and the Time Traveler shop. Humbrews on 10th St evolved from Humboldt Brewery and before that the Red Pepper/Redwood Bowling Alley.
View from K Street
Looks like this is right where the new 10th Street artists’ studio is.
From Northtown Books to 10th St., everything is gone.
Do they cast or torch metal?
Why did they move 8218 and the deck gun back to 10th @ H? They needed to keep that shooting into the old Coop building to protect the old Seely and Titlow building
Entire Block had flames shooting out the roof, from book store to building with Murals. All gone. 60 foot flames were shooting out mural building roof. Fire cannon had little effect. Heat could be felt a block away as winds gusted to 40 mph. Super windy day in Arcata today. Give thanks for firefighters who risked their lives to save lives and property. A fire to remember.
Terrible news good reporting and video. Stay safe. Thank you for the updates
No! Not the communist bookstore!
Get over yourself? Some folks won’t have a job to return to tomorrow. Isn’t that capitalist enough for you? smh.
Honest question: what makes it a communist bookstore?
The dissemination of ideas and insights beyond those of the central intelligence/ military industrial complex which many repeat while mistaking for original thought? See Sad…
So you think our military intel class is above pedaling intellectual smut?
I have to think that So Sad is just kidding. No reasonably intelligent person would make a comment like that seriously.
Kind of a sick sense of humor then– given the circumstances.
There is a section for people who want to make off-topic political comments.
Wait…. they got a /pol here?
They sell books! With letters! They don’t sell beer! No Coors = communist.
If you’d ever set foot in it you’d know.
Bought a cookbook and a book on herbs for my wife as well as some great kids books for the grandkids. None of those books had the slightest bit to do with politics or any -ism by any stretch of the mind. If by communism folks are suggesting they are providing information that should be readily available to everyone, OK, I’ll buy it.
Purchased a copy of O’Neil’s Chaos there last summer, felt like supporting a local shop and I pirate most media but also wanted to support the author. You mean to tell me that was a communist book store and I should have just stolen the book?
The “communist” bookstore was in an old Victorian house on Spear Ave near West End Road. I believe the house is still there, but the American Opinion Bookstore is gone.
Didn’t they get taken out in a power play by the Birtchers in the 90s?
It is interesting how many major fires have been in that same area. Hensel’s original hardware store, Fireworkers building, Marino’s building, Barns Drugs and I believe that there was one on the 9th street side of the plaza as well. Can’t remember which bar it was.
Very old wooden buildings burn like torches. Add a ruptured gas main and high winds it’s amazing that they kept it from spreading any farther and that no one was hurt.
Gas piping IN the buildings. Mains are outside. just an fyi.
Every side of the plaza has burned at some point.
Yep. The buildings next to Jacoby’s Storehouse used to be two stories tall.
And the storehouse has a brick firewall protecting it!
I was young and living on Arcata when the original Hensel’s burned up. It was close to New Years too.
ya better slow it down son, this is starting to sound a bit like noticing.
Balloon frame construction, common attics and crawl spaces, no automatic fire sprinklers, poor maintenance, etc. Not surprising at all.
Was any of Hensel’s saved?
At the moment it sounds like the main store is ok, but the kitchen and paint building burned.
In case anyone needs help getting their bearings…
Thankyou Laura..
North town Books. That is heartbreaking……Flames coming out of the alley wall.
Entire block burned
I get you, but I’m a stickler for detail, technically it’s a half block. Note the alley.
I am a retired firefighter with 30 years of service. If you noticed, PG&E brought equipment to dig up the gas line, which can cause delays. Unlike water systems with shut-off valves, natural gas lines lack quick shut-off options, requiring digging and installing a hot-tap valve. This process is not fast, meaning gas leaks or fires must wait for PG&E to complete the operation, raising safety concerns.
PG&E and safety concerns? Now there’s a rare combination.
I didn’t think this through. If the leak is on the occupant’s side of the meter, it is low pressure and can be shut off there. My previous statement specifically pertains to PG&E’s main supply lines.
Thank God Don’s Donuts was spared.
The community’s munchies servant spared.
Potheads rejoice.
Arteries harden.
Really the minor theatre is one of or the oldest continual operating theatre on the west coast and its cultural value is low at he moment due to Hollywood being what it has become but the future would miss it most of all the buildings down that way, maybe tin can mail man is second. Dons isn’t really important as a location.
Correction. I spoke with the Hensell’s manager. The gas main ruptured in an adjacent building, quite possibly and most likely the building that was being renovated. Go to the Google Earth street view for 10th street and see the temporary power that was and is still taking up the sidewalk.
Doesn’t seem to be there anymore.
Like the honey oil butane conflagrations of yore.
That’s awesome. They look like they’re ready to tear it all down and rebuild already? Like they’re ready for it? To rebuild, they’re not even talking about going through the scraps and helping the building they’re already tearing it down… Isn’t this weird dirty tearing it down… This is weird. No investigation no nothing. Just tear down and rebuild. What a coincidence
The excavator is breaking down the remains of the stillburning destroyed to expidite the complete extinguishing of the fire. The wind has been very gusty.
Destroyed buildings
The fire is still semi-burning and being actively drenched in the gallery and thrift store portions
Dude – Come back after you sober up.
Swish.
I think the kids call this burnt to the ground, or all the way burnt down, not sure you would have to ask someone younger.
Were they able to make the stop and save the old Seely and Titlow building?
I’m sorry I’m not there I’m on the East Coast right now. But what the f*** is going on?. A fire starts okay blah blah blah blah why are there excavators already tearing down buildings ready to scrap up and ready to rebuild? They don’t want the fires to spread. The fires are done why are you tearing it down all of a sudden? There’s no investigation. Or rebuilding? Just straight the demolish it get rid of the evidence? F****** 911 again. What is going on
Unstable buildings are a hazard. When the smoldering building collapses on it’s own the fire could easily spread to neighboring buildings. Also they will need to clear the streets for traffic(cars or foot traffic to business not physically affected by the fire.
They had to do this due to the structural integrity of the buildings. If they left the damaged buildings up they would just fall and cause another disaster. This is how fires are fought.
You are jumping to conclusions. They are knocking down still burning walls so that they don’t fall into the street and cause further damage and possible injuries. They already have reported the cause of the fire, a broken gas line. It is a normal procedure to knock down dangerous walls. Investigations will continue under safe conditions.
There was a broken gas line, but we don’t know if it was the cause of the fire or was caused by the fire.
The fire isn’t out. Fires hide inside walls and ceilings on buildings like these and reignite. It’s not safe for the firefighters to go inside a building that’s about to collapse in order to tear the walls open to put out hidden flames, so they use an excavator to knock it all down and spray water on the pile.
When they tore the top off of Northtown books, the flames immediately shot up – because the inside was still burning – and then they had access to it to put more of the fire out. So it wouldn’t spread. Sorry, no conspiracy here – just a whole lot of people with a whole lot of sorrow right now 😞
Is the city of Arcata going to have to pay its new raised rates for the water sprayed on that fire?
A sad day in Arcata.
so sad so many books lost!!
At some point the thought of old asbestos, old lead paint, and other things will be considered.
Some words
9 pm, now just historical rubble
A tremendous loss to the community!
I bet theyre going to build high density low-income housing
That would be the smart thing to do. Retail on the bottom, 2 to 3 floors of apartments above would be ideal in my opinion. I am in Tokyo visiting family and all new buildings pretty much follow that pattern. hopefully the bookshop will be able to return..
I hope the bookstore returns as well, but realistically, that’s a lot of overhead to reinvest in. From experience, insurance won’t cover all the loss. Also, according to my wife, the owners are older, not sure how old. I wish them well.
11pm entire half block is a pile of steaming rubble. 2nd truck in the kitchen store parking lot stopped pumping about 10:30pm. Still on stand by. The truck on H is still pumping into the debris following the excavator. Heavy rain, no smoke but still steaming in places.
Northtown Books. Global Village Gallery. Serious losses for Arcata. They will be sorely missed!
Excavator is turning over the remains of Global Village Gallery
Hensels kitchen store and Paint dept.
Thanks for the photos, Smoky.
Re-post Best pic! Higher res.
It would be wonderful if an edition of “Up River/Down River” can be published reprinting past pieces about Northtown Books, perhaps as a fundraiser for rebuilding.
This was private property no fund raiser is needed insurance and bank development loans will cover this. Now they can put in a housing block five stories tall, like the craftsman’s mall.
Well we went to war with Venezuela last night. And I Maduro is in American custody.
No war declared, no US troops still there after the planned operation. No troop lives were lost in the process. Maduro is in US custody none the less though.
Insurance will NOT cover all of it. Every business owner WILL take a loss. Insurance will definitely NOT cover the lost wages for every, or any for that matter, single person that worked for those businesses.
when did the rain finally kick back in that day/eve?