Fire Closes 299

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UPDATE 9:11 A.M.:Hwy 299 is open to one way controlled traffic–subject to 30 minute delays. (Note as per Caltrans at 1 P.M. they are using Pilot cars to go across.

UPDATE 8:35 A.M.: Hwy 299 is open to one way controlled traffic. This is a traffic cam shot of the sign at the 299 exit from 101 just north of Arcata.

UPDATE 7:13 A.M.: Hwy 299 is still closed this morning due to fire. This is a traffic cam shot of the sign at the 299 exit from 101 just north of Arcata.

UPDATE 10:20 P.M.: Caltrans has now confirmed that Route 299 is closed in both directions, westbound at Del Loma and eastbound at Big Mountain Road.  No estimated time of opening is currently available. Motorists are advised to seek an alternate route. The Redding Searchlight is saying that the fire is now between 200-300 acres and could spread to over 1000.

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UPDATE 8:50 P.M.: The CHP site is now stating, “CT SUPV STATED WILL BE 4 HR HARD CLOSURE FOR SURE AND THEN REASSESS AFTER 4 HRS.”  I interpret this to mean that Caltrans has decided to close the road for a minimum of 4 hours and then reassess. 

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A fire began crossing Hwy 299 around 5:30 this afternoon. They have closed the roadway east bound at Big Mountain and west bound at Del Loma.  The CHP site reports, “Traffic is really backing up.” Above is a map of the area.  Caution the gps coordinates are from the CHP site which are not always strictly accurate.

Calfire lists notes that it “is assisting the US Forest Service with a 30-40 acre fire, Hwy 299, near the Hayden Flat Campground, NW of Del Loma (Trinity Co).”

The traffic sign at Hwy 299 exit from Hwy 101 shows the road closed. (see below)