India, Jan. 3 -- A fast-moving blaze tore through the heart of downtown Arcata on Friday, engulfing several structures and triggering a large emergency response. The fire reportedly originated in the Hensel's Hardware area near Tenth Street between H and I streets, where thick smoke and flames were visible from blocks away. Locals and witnesses posted videos on social media.

As per reports, traffic was immediately shut down in all directions around 9th and I streets as firefighters worked to contain the spread. Lost Coast Outpost's Ryan Burns reported from the scene, where scanner chatter indicated that four two-story buildings were involved.

Humboldt Bay Fire said that it is on the scene of a large commercial structure fire on H and 10...