Incident Update Hill Fire

Situation Summary

Favorable weather patterns during the early part of the week allowed firefighters to gain good positioning on the Hill Fire and increase containment to 8%. Tactical firing along Forest Road 6N06 on the eastern boundary of the fire has enabled crews to create as much as 200 feet of depth between the fire line and the primary fire, expanding the fire footprint to 7074 acres. This strategic approach continued with unmanned aircraft assisting in the evening, further extending the depth.

Crews have successfully connected these firing operations with a combination of dozer and hand lines connecting to Mosquito Creek and the western edge of the fire. Mop-up operations were continued to address remaining hotspots along the fire's perimeter. Control lines in the north and west continued to be monitored, and hotspots were eliminated overnight.

With rising temperatures and lower relative humidity expected during the next few days, these proactive operations have positioned crews ahead of the weather change. Structure defense teams remain active to identify potential risks and implement mitigation strategies as part of the larger contingency plan.

Today, with the drier weather and hotter temperatures, fire activity is expected to increase, allowing for the ignition of some areas within the fire perimeter that still have unburned fuel. Crews will be monitoring the west side and patrolling for any hot spots. On the east side, crews will focus on suppressing any remaining hot spots and continuing tactical firing operations.

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.

FLICKR: Hill Fire Photo Album

Hill Fire Photo Album

Evacuation Information:

Evacuation Orders and Warnings

Mandatory Evacuation Orders have been issued for the following zones. Leave now!

• HUM-E076-A
• HUM-E077-A
• HUM-E077-B
• HUM-E077-C

Evacuation Warnings have been issued for the following zones. Be prepared to leave!

• HUM-E052-A
• HUM-E062
• HUM-E063-A
• HUM-E063-B
• HUM-E076-B
• HUM-E100-A
• HUM-E114-D

Evacuation Center

Trinity Valley Elementary School, 730 CA-96, Willow Creek, CA

The center will be open today, Saturday, July 20 until 8 p.m. while community needs are assessed

Numerous firefighting air tankers from throughout the State are flying fire suppression missions as conditions allow.

Engines

152

Water Tenders

35

Helicopters

12

Dozers

35

Hand Crews

64

Total Personnel

2156