Single Publication

HILL FIRE INCIDENT UPDATE

Date: July 26, 2024

Fire Information: 530-414-9056 

Hours: 08:00 AM to 8:00 PM

Email:2024.Hill@firenet.gov

Incident Website:

https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/casrf-hill-fire

https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2024/7/16/hill-fire

Location: Humboldt County, CA

Size: 7111 acres

Cause: Under Investigation

Start Date: Monday July 15, 2023, at 5:40 PM

Percent contained: 17%

Personnel: 1699

CURRENT SITUATION: 

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. 

WEATHER:

Today, conditions will get better with more marine influence. The inversion layer will help humidity levels go up, reaching mostly above 30 percent during the day. Temperatures will also drop, staying mostly below 80 degrees. Winds will be mostly influenced by the terrain, blowing from the northwest at higher elevations in the afternoon.

EVACUATIONS:

Humbolt County: Evacuation order and warnings remain in effect. For current updates on evacuations, visit https://www.facebook.com/HumboldtSheriff and https://humboldtgov.org/2383/Current-Emergencies. 

Trinity County: Evacuation warnings remain in effect. For current updates on evacuations, visit     https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064589806351 and https://www.trinitycounty.org/OES 

Conditions are subject to change at any time, visit https://protect.genasys.com/search for a full zone description. 

Sign up for Humboldt Alert emergency notifications at https://humboldtgov.org/2014/Emergency-Notifications 

CLOSURES:

Forest Closure Order currently in effect for the area impacted by the Hill Fire. It is temporarily prohibited to be on any national forest system land, trail, or road within the closure area. To view the closure order and map of closure area visit the following link www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1191963.pdf.

Road closures are currently in place on Friday Ridge Rd. at Forest Service Route 6N06, Friday Ridge Rd. at Forest Route 5N01 and Friday Fridge Rd. at Forest Route 5N04. For updated road closure information, visit protect.genasys.com or humboldtsheriff.org/emergency.

FIRE RESTRICTIONS:

Forest fire restrictions also went into effect on July 12th. Campfires and stove fires are restricted to those developed areas listed in the forest order located at https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1188610.pdf.

Smoking, welding, and operating an internal combustion engine also have restrictions in place.