Fire claims one dog and 10 puppies, residents OK

EUREKA, Ca. (KIEM)-An initial investigation indicates an electric space heater placed too close to combustible materials is most likely to blame for the fire that destroyed a Eureka home.

The heater was used to keep puppies warm according to Humboldt Bay Fire.

The residents of the home were uninjured.

However, an adult dog and 10 puppies perished in the fire, the cause of the fire is still under investigation

The fire took about 30-minutes to control with fire crews on-scene for 2 hours to completely extinguish the flames.

Humboldt Bay Fire responded just after 5 Saturday afternoon to the 34-hundred block of “G” street.

When they arrived on scene, heavy fire and smoke were visible from the front and side of the structure.

Firefighters entered the structure then were told two residents and their pets could be still inside.

 The firefighters had to exit the structure after flames made it too difficult.

It was later determined the residents made it out safe but not all of the animals were accounted for.

Damage to the home is significant and the loss of the structure and contents are estimated at $300,000.

Arcata and the Samoa Peninsula Volunteer Fire Departments provided mutual aid for Humboldt Bay Fire.

The fire department stresses everyone maintain proper clearance when using any portable heating device and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.