Incident Update Hill Fire
- Date:
- 07/26/2024
- Time:
- 10:11 AM
Incident Facts
- Name
- Hill Fire
- Start Date/Time
- 2024-07-16
- Incident Status
- Active
- Location
- South of the community of Willow Creek in the Mosquito Creek Drainage
- Type
- Wildfire
- Cause
- Under Investigation
- Counties
- Humboldt, Trinity
- Administration Unit
- Unified Command: Six Rivers National Forest and CAL FIRE Humboldt-Del Norte Unit
- Unified Command Agency(s)
- Size
- 7,111
- Containment
- 17%
- Structures Threatened
- Structures Destroyed
- Structures Damaged
- Civilian Injuries
- Firefighter Injuries
- 5
- Civilian Fatalities
- Firefighter Fatalities
Current Situation
Situation Summary
The number one priority for firefighters is the Sugarloaf Mountain area, and crews are working around the clock to the keep the fire within established dozer and handlines.
With the increased humidity and lower temperatures, tactical firing was done yesterday and through the evening, supported by aircraft. This strategy aimed to gradually move the fire down Sugarloaf Mountain toward Forest Road 5N14. This road extends north and connects with a dozer line that ties back to 6N06 Road, creating a perimeter around the fire. These operations have been successful and are ongoing. Activities have been slow and methodical as the steep terrain presents safety issues for the crews. Fire-burned trees, loose soil, and dislodged rocks call for extra awareness.
Control lines in the north, west, and south are holding firm, with crews actively mopping up and patrolling these areas. They will also focus on removing hazardous trees and those threatening the containment lines.
Contingency line construction continues to the south and along the Hennessy Ridge in the east. The Structure Defense Group has worked with local agencies to evaluate residences, roadways, and other values at risk.
For all updates and information on the fire, visit: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/casrf-hill-fire
Hill Fire Road Closures
Road closures are in place on Friday Ridge Rd. at Forest Service Route 6N06, Forest Route 5N35, and Route 1, Friday Fridge Rd. at Forest Route 5N04, and Berry Summit at Titlow Hill Road near the Highway 299 ramp. Highway 299 is not closed. For updated road closure information, visit protect.genasys.com or humboldtsheriff.org/emergency.
Redwood Acres, located at 3750 Harris St. in Eureka, has been activated as a CAL FIRE Incident Management Base Camp in response to the area wildfires. Redwood Acres is now closed to the public and all upcoming events at Redwood Acres have been canceled for at least the next two weeks. Please drive cautiously in the area as increased traffic from vehicles responding to the area wildfires is expected.
Due to the activation of this base camp, Humboldt County Public Works has closed Harris St. at Hubbard Ln. and Hall Ave. at Myrtle Ave. These closures will be in effect for at least the next two weeks. Please drive safely and use alternate routes. Visit humboldtgov.org/roads for the latest updates on county road closures and conditions.
Evacuation Zones
Evacuation Information:
Trinity County Orders and Warnings
SFT-500
Surprise Creek at Trinity River, North, following Trinity River to Mahala Creek, East to Hennessy Ridge/ 6N12, South East to 5N40 Road.
Assigned Resources
Numerous firefighting air tankers from throughout the State are flying fire suppression missions as conditions allow.
- Engines
- 104
- Water Tenders
- 33
- Helicopters
- 11
- Dozers
- 20
- Hand Crews
- 46
- Total Personnel
- 1699