College/University (on campus), Residence Hall/Dormitory, Residential Arcata, CA – Fire in residence hall knocked down by sprinkler system; No injuries September 21, 2015 viking210 At approximately 7:40 p.m. Friday Humboldt State University police (UPD) received a fire alarm activation at Alder Hall. At the same time Arcata Fire District was dispatched to the same location and for the same alarm. Upon further investigation, a University Police Department officer saw smoke coming from the first floor of Alder Hall and upgraded the alarm to a full fire alarm response. The first engine on scene reported light-to-moderate white smoke coming from the first floor laundry room of Alder Hall. The fire crew made entry into the laundry room and reported it to be a dryer fire. After further investigation, the crew reported there was no fire; the sprinkler system had activated and knocked down the fire. “There was heavy smoke in the room but, after we cleared it out, we realized the fire started because of a malfunctioning motor blowing unit inside the dryer” Fire Captain Nate Padula said. There were no injuries reported and the student housing authorities are currently working on getting the students back into their apartments. Arcata Fire District responded with two engines, one truck and two chief officers. Blue Lake Volunteer Fire Department responded as automatic aid with one engine and Humboldt Bay Fire Department responded as automatic aid with one engine and one chief officer. The University Police Department responded to the initial alarm and provided logistics after fire crews arrived on scene.
