Multiple agencies respond to barn fire, Complete loss

ARCATA, Calif. (KIEM)-Multiple fire crews were dispatched Sunday to a barn fire on Mad River Road in Arcata at about 4:06 p.m. 

The smell and sight of smoke could be seen from miles away.  

Crews arrived to an outside structure filled with hay -small flames could be seen emanating from the barn, at first, but then within minutes, the fire erupted into a ball of smoke.  

The barn is a total loss – flames continued to ignite in hot spots as crews waited for an excavator to arrive to tear down the structure.

Fire chiefs from both Arcata and Kneeland Fire were on scene as was an Arcata battalion chief.   

Arcata’s logistics team also responded with four personnel, while Samoa Peninsula Fire District and Humboldt Bay Fire covered stations.  

Five water tenders from Blue Lake, Kneeland, Arcata, Fieldbrook and Loleta fire were utilized – due to the lack of a nearby water source.  

The excavator is done. However, crews aren’t able to extinguish the flames – as there is about 187-tons of hay burning, according to Battalion Chief Sean Campbell.  

He says, due to a lack of resources and water, the hay will be left to burn -which will last for about a week. 

No injuries were reported and the fire is under investigation.