Highway 96 Closed as Milepost 18 Fire Grows to 1,500 Acres
• The Milepost 18 Fire in Humboldt County, California, has expanded to 1,500 acres with only 10% containment as of August 10,
• The fire has prompted the closure of Highway 96 between Hoopa and Weitchpec. The Hoopa Valley Tribe fire department is leading the response efforts. Evacuation warnings have been issued for areas east of the Trinity River, including zone HIA-E003, as fire behavior and weather conditions remain volatile. Temperatures in the Hoopa Valley are expected to reach 103°F (39.4°C) today, further complicating firefighting efforts. A clean air center has been opened at the Neighborhood Facility to assist residents affected by smoke and heat.
Impact & Risks
Residents in the Hoopa Valley and surrounding areas face significant risks from the fire, including potential evacuations and poor air quality. The evacuation warning for zone HIA-E003 highlights the need for readiness as fire conditions could worsen. The extreme heat, with temperatures reaching 103°F (39.4°C), poses additional health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations. Highway 96's closure disrupts travel and access to affected areas, complicating evacuation and emergency response efforts.
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