Archive · 3 Jan 2026
Arcata Fire Engulfs Downtown Buildings Near Hensel’s Hardware
There was a big fire in downtown Arcata near a place called Hensel’s Hardware.
People were stuck on rooftops and needed help.
Firefighters asked for more help to put out the fire.
The power went out for some people nearby.
The streets around the fire were closed so no one could get too close.
A reporter saw the fire and told everyone about it.
A massive fire engulfed multiple buildings in downtown Arcata near Hensel’s Hardware.
People were trapped on rooftops and desperately called for rescue around 2:53 p.m.
Firefighters requested four additional engines to combat the spreading fire.
PG&E confirmed power outages affecting 43 customers in the fire's vicinity.
Traffic was shut down one block in every direction from 9th and I streets.
- Who
- Firefighters, PG&E, Lost Coast Outpost reporter Ryan Burns, people trapped on rooftops
- What
- Massive fire engulfing multiple buildings
- When
- Around 2:53 p.m.
- Where
- Downtown Arcata, near Hensel’s Hardware
- Why
- Cause of the fire not specified
- Location
- Downtown Arcata, near Hensel’s Hardware
- Time of Incident
- Around 2:53 p.m.
- Rescue Requests
- People trapped on rooftops
- Firefighting Resources
- Four additional engines requested
- Power Outages
- 43 customers affected
- Traffic Shutdown
- One block in every direction from 9th and I streets