01/04/2026
City of Arcata
PRESS RELEASE **Corrected
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DOWNTOWN FIRE - UPDATE
On January 2, 2026, at approximately 2:30 p.m., a commercial structure fire occurred in the 800 block of Tenth Street in Downtown Arcata. Fueled by strong winds, the fire spread rapidly. Arcata Fire District, with assistance from numerous fire suppression resources from across Humboldt County and the region, was able to contain the incident. No loss of life or injuries were reported.
The origin and cause of the fire remain under investigation by Arcata Fire District in coordination with the Arcata Police Department.
All businesses and residences located on the south side of the 800 block of Tenth Street were, based on initial assessments, determined to be a total loss.
Several adjacent buildings sustained smoke and heat damage. At least one affected business stored significant quantities of painting and industrial materials, resulting in actual and potential environmental contamination, which was further complicated by ongoing storm activity and stormwater runoff into the surrounding area.
Due to the environmental, physical, and economic impacts of this incident, the City Manager has proclaimed the existence of a local state of emergency. The City is actively working with county, state, federal, and community partners to assess impacts, mitigate environmental contamination, and support recovery and rehabilitation efforts.
The City of Arcata has completed all required notifications to numerous local, regional, state, and federal environmental protection and regulatory agencies, including water quality, hazardous materials, wildlife protection, and emergency management partners, and will continue coordination as assessment and mitigation efforts progress.
Multiple individuals were displaced as a result of the fire and were connected with American Red Cross assistance. Residents and business owners in need of support may contact the Red Cross at (707) 832-5480.
Anyone with information related to the fire is encouraged to contact Arcata Fire District at (707) 825-2000 or the Arcata Police Department Investigations Unit at (707) 822-2424.
Acknowledgements
The City of Arcata extends its sincere appreciation to the following agencies, organizations, and community partners for their assistance with fire suppression, emergency response, incident support, and ongoing mitigation efforts:
· American Red Cross
· Arcata Fire District; CAL FIRE; Blue Lake Fire; Ferndale Fire; Fieldbrook Fire; Fortuna Fire; Humboldt Bay Fire; Kneeland Fire; Loleta Fire; Rio Dell Fire; Samoa Fire; Westhaven Fire
· Arcata-Mad River Ambulance
· B&B Portable Toilets
· Cal Poly Humboldt Police Department
· California Department of Fish and Wildlife
· Figas Construction
· G.R. Sundberg, Inc.
· Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District
· Humboldt County Environmental Health
· Humboldt County Sheriff's Office
· Highway Specialties
· Hooven Co., Inc.
· Hotel Arcata
· PG&E
· Wildberries Marketplace
The City is grateful for the coordinated efforts of these partners and the broader community during this incident. Additional updates will be provided as information becomes available.
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For additional information, please contact: Chief Chris Ortega
Or the On-Duty Watch Commander
Arcata Police Department
(707) 822-2428
Case #26-0011
**Corrected and clarified location
