PHOTOS: Multiple buildings were destroyed in a massive fire in the heart of downtown Arcata on Friday afternoon. According to Arcata Fire officials, the fire began in a two-story commercial structure in the 800 block of 10th Street around 2:30 p.m., with apartments above and businesses below.
The fire, exacerbated by high winds and a ruptured gas main, caused devastating damage to businesses including Northtown Books, Dandar’s Games and portions of Hensel’s Ace Hardware, as well as the apartment dwellings, the Arcata Fire District and Ferndale Volunteer Fire Department said.
The Arcata Fire District quickly responded to the fire with assistance from agencies from Ferndale, Loleta, Samoa, Kneeland, Westhaven, Fieldbrook, Humboldt Bay, Fortuna, Rio Dell and Blue Lake, as well as support from Cal Fire Trinidad, Cal Fire Weott, Arcata Police, CHP and PG&E for the ruptured gas line.
