Fire set in Winco bathroom

Damage from fire, water estimated at $5,000

Humboldt Sentinel staff
7/3/09

Eureka

Firefighters were summoned to the Winco supermarket early Thursday morning after automatic sprinklers activated in the store restroom in response to an alarm.

The responding Eureka Fire Department engine found a fire ignited inside the bathroom had been extinguished by the sprinkler system. According to the EFD release, the fire was intentionally set, and investigators are looking for more information.

After assessing the status of the fire, EFD proceeded to shut off the system to minimize water damage, while Winco staff engaged in water removal.

Although the sprinklers were restored to normal operating status, the bathroom suffered an estimated $5,000 of damage from fire and water. EFD credits the system, however, with saving the overall Winco property, with an estimated value of $5 million.

Anyone who can help EFD identify those responsible for the fire are urged to contact assistant fire chief Bill Gillespie at 441-4000 or bgillespie@ci.eureka.ca.gov.