Incident Update Hill Fire

Situation Summary

Yesterday, the fire advanced to the 6NO6 Forest Road near Ammon Ridge. Tactical firing was utilized to keep the fire from crossing the road. Tactical firing is conducted to increase the depth of the fire line and eliminate pockets of fuel that could threaten its integrity. There was moderate fire activity observed in the Mosquito Creek drainage, where crews worked to construct line into the drainage. Heavy equipment and hand crews worked from the east and west to tie in holding lines. During the evening crews worked to strengthen these lines and patrol Route 1 and 6NO06 Road and the north end of the fire.

Today, the crews will continue tactical firing along the 6NO6, working southward. As a result of these operations, residents may see increased smoke in the area. The increased relative humidity forecasted for today will provide more favorable conditions, helping to moderate fire behavior.

Fire Crews will continue to assess the structures along Friday Ridge Road and the communities to the north and east of the fire. They are building a Structure Defense Plan that will be implemented should these structures come under imminent danger of approaching 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.

FLICKR Incident Photos

CAL FIRE - Hill Fire Photos

Evacuation Information:

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

99

Water Tenders

2

Dozers

13

Hand Crews

49

Total Personnel

1512