by Serah Blackstone-Fredericks and Jasmin Shirazian
Arcata Fire Department was heading back to headquarters when they spotted a devastating fire that broke out Jan. 2, which left scorched streets and collapsed buildings on the 800 block of 10th St. in downtown Arcata, Calif..
Fire and medical agencies as far north as Trinidad and as far south as Weott came to contain the blaze, resulting in 2.5 million gallons of water being deployed at 9,000 gallons per minute.
There were no reported injuries to civilians or firefighters and residents who were displaced from their homes are being assisted by the American Red Cross. The expected cost of damages are estimated to be at least $18 million.
“Preliminary damage assessments indicate that seven businesses, including associated apartments, were destroyed, and at least five additional businesses sustained heat, smoke, or water damage,” the statement said. “Initial loss estimates are approximately $18 million; however, this figure may change as assessments continue.”
The cause of the fire remains under investigation as the Arcata Fire District coordinates with the Humboldt County Fire-Arson Investigation team.
Despite rumours regarding a gas leak, Chief Emmons confirmed in a special meeting held by Arcata City Council that the gas leak came later. Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) took action as soon as it was safe to turn off gas and power lines to prevent further damages.
By declaring this a local emergency, the county can determine if they have the resources to support. If not, the case moves onto the state so that funding can be found to clear the debris. In a special meeting, Arcata City Manager Merrit Perry shared that the focus has now shifted to debris, how to handle them so as to not release more toxins. .
Local resources from the community continue to pour out to those impacted by the tragedy. Moss Oak Commons, for example, offered a Fire Relief Clinic, which provided emotional and mental support for all who attended but especially those who experienced the fire hands-on, including volunteers, supporters and spectators.
Marta Lapczynski, owner and proprietor of Good Day Shop, decided to start a grassroots effort to support the community.
“It was right here,” Lapczynski shared “People want to help. They don’t want to feel powerless.”
Lapczynski initiated a database and coordinated support for those who lost their homes, beloved pets and businesses in the tragedy of the fire. Lapczynski encourages the community to remain mindful of those who may still be in the midst of crisis.
Meredith Maier from the Arcata Chamber shared that business has since slowed for the entire block.. Maier also mentioned that plans for art are already under consideration, and that a mural will happen when a permanent fence goes up.
Dandar’s Boardgames and Books, one of the businesses demolished by the fire, co-owner Doranna Gilkey shared that there are Magic the Gathering game nights, which were previously hosted at their store, are currently being offered at Septentrio.
“Show up and play and keep the word out. If you have ever been curious, it is a great time to learn,” Gilkey said. “We are focused on our community building, third space role.”
10th Street Artist Collective is grieving differently. Decades of curation destroyed in what felt like an instant, according to owners Peggy Rivers and Van Shields
“I had a show scheduled for spring of 2027,” Rivers said. “It was really shocking and overwhelming. “One of the things that was devastating about the fire and the supplies was [losing] the future.”
Serah Blackstone-Fredericks is a cross-disciplinary anthropology major, minoring in arts in health and narrative medicine. A multidisciplinary artist, mother, and multilingual global citizen, you can find her prancing in her garden or in her kitchen baking, fermenting, and exploring natural dye via experiments. Her work explores storytelling from a perspective of cultural humility, ever curious on shaped connections and how we live and heal. Feel free to connect with her at sb625@humboldt.edu.
Jasmin Shirazian is the curly-headed copy editor of The Lumberjack. A locally and nationally published scribe, she dabbles in beats from breaking news to entertainment. You can catch her jumping continents in her free time, so try digitally through email: js760@humboldt.edu.