Humboldt Bay Fire was dispatched to a vacant building in Eureka Thursday morning for the report of a structure fire with heavy smoke showing.
At about 1 a.m., three engines, a ladder truck and a battalion chief with Humboldt Bay Fire responded to a reported structure fire on the 1900 block of 5th Street.
Eureka Police Department officers arrived at the scene, blocking off S and T streets between 4th and 5th in Eureka while crews responded.
The first engine reported smoke was visible from the several blocks away, and arrived to find a single story commercial building with heavy smoke and fire showing from the rear.
A commercial second alarm was requested for additional resources to the scene to assist with firefighting operations and coverage of Humboldt Bay Fire’s jurisdiction, Battalion Chief Tim Citro said.
"Crews initiated an interior fire attack and searched the structure for any potential occupants. The fire was controlled in 20 minutes and there were no civilian or firefighter injuries," Citro said.
Firefighters remained on scene for an additional two hours to ventilate the building of smoke, check for extension of the fire into hidden spaces and ensure the fire was completely extinguished.
The building had not been occupied for about wo years, HBF said. Investigators determined there were obvious signs of transient activity around the building and in concealed exterior storage areas against it.
"This includes bedding, trash, numerous hypodermic needles and human waste," Citro said. Firefighters were able safely navigate those hazards to get hose lines in place to extinguish the fire.
"Due to the signs of transient activity and results of the fire investigation, it is determined the fire was human-caused and started in an exterior storage shed that was directly attached to the building," Citro added.
Estimated damage to the building was $30,000, according to HBF.
Arcata Fire District, Samoa-Peninsula Fire District, Eureka Police Department, City Ambulance and PG&E assisted HBF with the response.