Dash-cam video from house fire in Arcata, CA

Dash-cam video from Arcata Fire taken at a house fire on January 8. Here’s the detailed description with the video:

Shortly after 5:00pm, the Arcata Fire District responded to a structure fire near the 4400 block of Dubeault Road off Jacoby Creek Road. Firefighters were advised by Dispatch that all occupants had evacuated.

While in route to the scene, a large column of black smoke was reported to be visible from Jacoby Creek Road. When crews arrived, they found a single family structure approximately 50 percent involved with a large amount of fire showing at the front of the structure. “The first arriving engine crew were able to take quick action with the arrival of a volunteer firefighter and additional Chief Officers” said Assistant Chief Justin McDonald. Crews were able to use a deck gun from an engine to knock down the large volume of fire and then deploy two hose lines to the rear of the structure for an interior attack on the fire. Shortly after crews arrived and started suppression efforts, a power line that was damaged by the fire fell to the ground and began arcing which caused a tree and brush in the front yard to ignite. Suppression efforts were hampered by the arcing power line. Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) was dispatched to the scene to control all utilities. Fire crews were able to contain and control the fire after approximately 30 minutes.

There were no injuries reported, the occupant and her pet were able to evacuate safely. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

“The resident was very fortunate in that she had a working smoke alarm that gave her early notification that there was a fire in her home,” says Jenny Williamson, Fire Prevention Specialist. This serves as a reminder to test your smoke alarms monthly and to practice your escape plan.

There was a great effort from multiple agencies to help minimize this incident. Arcata Fire District responded with three Chief Officers, three engines, and one water tender. Humboldt Bay Fire provided coverage for our fire district with one engine and one Chief
Officer. Arcata Police Department and California Highway Patrol assisted with traffic control, PG&E assisted with utilities and Arcata Public Works assisted with the broken fire hydrant.

Arcata Fire exists to protect the lives, environment and property of the communities we serve.