[UPDATE 7:08 p.m.: ‘Multiple Structures Destroyed’] Hwy 299 Still Closed After 6000 Acre Wildfire Burned Homes and Sent Around 2000 Residents Fleeing

The yellow fires burning depict hot spots that showed up on the satellite overnight but the actual fire is believed to be larger. [Image from Wildfire Viewer]

Note: Items in bold green words are updates.

The Helena Wildfire which began about 5 p.m. the evening before had consumed (as of 8:50 a.m.) 6000 acres and was 0% contained. The Northern California Geographic Area Coordination Center reports that “multiple structures” have been destroyed. Residents are telling us that at least a few of these are homes.

Structures in the Helena area are facing flames today and are considered threatened by the US Forest Service. Those living between Helena and Oregon Mountain Summit, including the Canyon Creek area, were ordered to leave their homes.  Inciweb reports that “approximately 2,000 people have been evacuated.”

According to the Inciweb, “An evacuation center [has been] established at the First Baptist Church in Weaverville located at 1261 Main Street across from Suzie’s Bakery…Large animals may be taken to Lowden Park located on Washington Street between Hwy. 3 and Hwy 299.

Caltrans message board at the junction of Hwy 299 and Hwy 101.

Caltrans District 2 reports that because of the wildfire, Hwy 299 is closed near Eagle Rock Quarry on the west side of the fire and east of Junction City near mile marker 45. [UPDATE: As of 8:34 a.m., the CHP Traffic Incident Information Page indicates that 299 “will be closed for at least 24 hours.”] “There won’t be construction work at Big French Creek today, west of Weaverville,” Caltrans states.

Channel 7 News reports that Trinity High School and Weaverville Elementary are closed.

The weather is not going to help. According to NOAA, Helena and the surrounding areas are facing “a prolonged period of excessive heat” that should last through “at least Monday, with the hottest temperatures likely Friday and
Saturday when some valley locations may exceed 110 degrees.” In addition, gusty winds are expected.

The National Weather Service has placed the entire area under Red Flag warning meaning that there are “critical fire weather conditions likely Thursday night and
Friday morning for elevated terrain area-wide due to gusty offshore winds and very low humidity…”

Because of this, the Northern California Geographic Area Coordination Center is predicting “extreme fire behavior [with] long range spotting.”

Aircraft including Air Attack, Air Tankers, and Helicopters are on order.

Below is video by Laurie Haney taken at the Helena Bridge about 9 p.m. yesterday.

UPDATE 10:45 a.m.: Road closures:
List of road closures Helena Fire 8/31/17UPDATE 10:48 a.m.: According to Inciweb, “A fire information number has been set up at (530) 628-0039. Those who have been evacuated can also call (530) 623-1726 to have their contact information placed on a list so that they can later be notified by the Trinity County Sheriff’s Office about any property damage.”

UPDATE 11:14 a.m.: 
More information on air quality can be found on this post: Smoke Levels Near Helena Fire on 299 Are Hazardous

UPDATE 12:39 p.m.: The Trinity County Sheriff, Bruce Haney, “has declared a local State of Emergency due to the Helena Area Fire that started 08-30-17.”

UPDATE 4:46 p.m.: According to the Northern California Geographic Area Coordination Center, the fire is “6,000 acres grass, brush, and timber 0% contained. Extreme fire behavior, long range spotting…Multiple structures destroyed. Mandatory evacuations in place. Structures are threatened in the community of Helena.”

UPDATE 6:30 p.m.: Caltrans is reporting that Hwy 299 is likely to be closed overnight from east of Junction City to Big Flat.

Hwy 299 during the Helena Fire

Hwy 299 during the Helena Fire. [Photo from Caltrans District 2’s Facebook]

UPDATE 7:08 p.m.: Governor Brown Declares State of Emergency for Trinity County Due to Wildfire

Earlier Chapters:

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G-MAS
Guest
G-MAS
6 years ago

I’m praying!!be safe all.

E Buzz
Guest
E Buzz
6 years ago

Hope they can get multiple crews on this ASAP. This seems to be an extra hot, fast moving and angry fire. This could get very ugly by the weekend. Sending good, safe thoughts and strenght to all the residents and firefighters in that area. Get prepared, stay alert, be Extra careful and above all stay safe. Pray for rain everyone!

Yaqui
Guest
Yaqui
6 years ago

Praying for ALL of us in N Ca !! This looks like THE week ………geeeesh !
Get prepped people !

Luvluvluv
Guest
Luvluvluv
6 years ago
Reply to  Yaqui

No doubt!
Theres a lot of info and advice from people who got through major natural disasters and what they learned.

Big one, have a watch or time source other than your cel phone with you at all times&in emergency go bags!!!

I found great info from hurricane sandy survivors and folks from lake county fires online, big thx to them for sharing.

This is real deal weather times we’re moving into, its not going to ease up, so get your emergency go bags together. The more prepared each of us is, the better for all.
Put fire hose ready spigots on at least one of your water tanks and post a map of where that is on your property in an easy to find area.

Praying for all, the extreme growth of these fires is awful, pls let us kno how we can help.
Thank you kym, a trusted journalist is one of our most valued gems these days!!! How do we donate to help keep you going???

Muddy Black Dodge
Guest
Muddy Black Dodge
6 years ago

I woke and thought, oh man that is strange to see that much fog this far up my ridge…. Then I smelled the smoke… Big gusts of wind pushing thru all night and this morning….. Picture looking east… Hope everyone out that way works together to get through this, and no lives are lost.

J. Cram
Guest
J. Cram
6 years ago

It’s only 2000 acres not 5000 according to inciweb as of 5 mins ago. I think you got that part incorrect.

Hyf_gal
Guest
Hyf_gal
6 years ago
Reply to  Kym Kemp

According the the morning briefing at the Incident Command Post it is now around 6,500.

Chasity Odom
Guest
Chasity Odom
6 years ago

We are being told here in Trinity County that it is at 2000 acres.
Definitely Praying it will be contained before it reaches 5000 acres.
Please add our County to your prayers, the Evacuees, pets, rescuers, and the Fire Fighters that are working so hard.
Thank you.

Chasity Odom
Guest
Chasity Odom
6 years ago
Reply to  Kym Kemp

I hope it isn’t that big, so soon 🙁

Either way it is horrible and heartbreaking.
Thanks for writing this up for us to share.

Rob Ayers
Guest
Rob Ayers
6 years ago
Reply to  Chasity Odom

Mother nature is all that will stop this conflagration. Rough country and short resources.

Much ♡
Guest
Much ♡
6 years ago
Reply to  Chasity Odom

You are in our thoughts and prayers!!! Please let us in humboldt know how we can help. I remember not being able to see more than 50 feet in 08, its a scary feeling.
Take pics of any important documents like land title and insurance papers in case you lose them, not necessarily to fire but just easy to lose when yr in a hurry.

A good reminder to us all to have emergency kits ready, and to not fuel the fear but to send positive thoughts!!
Cmon govt, if u are controlling the weather, a non-lightning rain cloud would be great right now! Bring some houston rain this way

Cathy
Guest
Cathy
6 years ago
Reply to  Much ♡

To add we have file boxes painted red thwart wee can grab with paperwork, usually small amount of can and travelers chk s that exchange or replace as needed. Blanket bag etc. Grab red stuff animals etc and git.
My kids got out safe s did rest of the lodge. Out will be devastating losing thier residence and jobs but family is safe and that is what matters most.

Wildcat
Guest
Wildcat
6 years ago

Thank you for such a thorough update. Curious as to where you find the 5000 acre number? Just trying to expand my searches…

Hyf_gal
Guest
Hyf_gal
6 years ago
Reply to  Kym Kemp

So its 6,500 acres according to the morning briefing at the fire Incident Command Post.

Ullr Rover
Guest
6 years ago

https://mobile.twitter.com/PikeHaleighdee/status/903119204785635328/video/1

From a chp driving through…. it doesn’t look good. This one is running.

Ullr Rover
Guest
6 years ago
Reply to  Ullr Rover

This video appears to be eastbound from the RV park to Valdor Rd. It shows one structure engulfed…. it looks like a garage.

G-MAS
Guest
G-MAS
6 years ago
Reply to  Ullr Rover

Your right that doesn’t look good.God be with them all.

Brian
Guest
Brian
6 years ago

Temp are low right now, inversion effect too.

I don’t hear aircraft. I may be on far side of action, but I heard em yesterday.

Generally inversions can help slow a fire, but aircraft have zero ability to see what they’re fighting.

Good luck yall

NJudah
Guest
NJudah
6 years ago

My friend’s lovely place is on Canyon Creek. They are out of town right now and haven’t responded and are unaware of the fire. Thank you so much, Kym for your great coverage. I will send them a link to your site if they can be reached. And,a big heartfelt thank you to all of the valiant fire fighters! May you be shielded from harm and return home safely.

Ben
Guest
Ben
6 years ago

Is there a site for smoke pollution. My friends have just left Lewiston because of terrible smoke..

Sparklemahn
Guest
Sparklemahn
6 years ago
Reply to  Ben
Zaniah
Guest
Zaniah
6 years ago

Photo of the #HelenaFire taken from the Hayfork Bally Lookout. Photo courtesy of Jeffrey Hamilton. @KRCR7 (link: http://www.krcrtv.com/news/local/northstate/highway-299-closed-west-of-weaverville-for-new-fire/614775871) krcrtv.com/news/local/nor…

Brian
Guest
Brian
6 years ago
Reply to  Zaniah

First hour of helena fire (photo taken at 5:40)

Brian
Guest
Brian
6 years ago
Reply to  Brian

This photo is from 7:00 pm day one.
90 minutes after other photo.

-from 10 miles due south

misha vandal
Guest
misha vandal
6 years ago
Reply to  Brian

25 miles west/sw of fire at 8 pm day one

ahc
Guest
ahc
6 years ago

Ash is falling in Weaverville and the sun is red. Compare today’s sun to the one we saw during solar eclipse.

ahc
Guest
ahc
6 years ago

Today’s sun vs solar eclipse–in Weaverville, Trinity County, California.

Sparklemahn
Guest
Sparklemahn
6 years ago
Reply to  ahc

Interesting. Thanks!

Thinking allowed
Guest
Thinking allowed
6 years ago

Kym- thank you for the concise information and references. I’ve been trying to scrape information together myself with no where near as much success.

Teamo
Guest
Teamo
6 years ago

the western side rode block is now at the east end of Bigflat

Chris Schaefer
Guest
Chris Schaefer
6 years ago

Thanks for your information and links. It is so helpful.

Mark Johnson
Guest
Mark Johnson
6 years ago

With the high temperatures and low humidity this fire will burn for a while.

♡♡♡♡
Guest
♡♡♡♡
6 years ago

Sorry if i missed it, was there lightning? I hope not cigarette.
Its been around 20% humidity out there. Canyon creek is the main way into Trinity Wilderness, and it being labor day wknd, lots of people may be out there. Such a majestic area and such clean abundant water.

Its becoming more and more clear that we need to change the way we fight fires because theyre not burning the same anymore.
Between brookings and this, how does it get out of control so fast when they do air strikes, and why arent air strikes working anymore?

JAS-M
Guest
JAS-M
6 years ago

Does anyone have anything on Bigfoot camp ground? Praying ….

overthehill
Guest
overthehill
6 years ago
Reply to  JAS-M

Sorry to say Bigfoot got hit pretty hard

Bozo
Guest
Bozo
6 years ago

>”Between brookings and this, how does it get out of control so fast when they do air strikes, and why arent air strikes working anymore?”

The ‘Brookings’ fire started in ‘Wilderness’. Started as a 1/4 acre fire.
Current government policy is to ‘let wild fires burn in wilderness’.
Currently fires are burning out the Marble Mountain wilderness too.
Yup. Somebody’s got to re-think that policy.

Helena fire. Tall grass and shrubs. Waiting to burn on a single spark.
Only way would be to have Forest Service and/or CalFire to have trucks patrol the roads and have and some air support ‘on call’ continuously.

At that time… air support was engaged in other fires.

Rob Ayers
Guest
Rob Ayers
6 years ago
Reply to  Bozo

You really don’t know much about wildland firefighting, do you.

john
Guest
john
6 years ago
Reply to  Rob Ayers

Not sure about his comment about Brookings, but I believe his comments about firefighting are about fire fighting policy (as he stated), not actual wildland firefighting. His comments about “tall grass and shrubs” in the Helena fire are spot on. I live near there and I know.

For the rest of you. This fire isn’t about burning wilderness, its about people’s houses burning down, with them just barely getting out. If you don’t understand, take a look at Ullr Rover’s link,comment image

Remember, this fire went from nothing to 6,000 acres in less than 24 hours.

Mr. Ayers, your comment seems immature to me.

Sorry Kim, just had to say it.

Grumpy
Guest
Grumpy
6 years ago

Air attack 05 is returning to Redding to much smoke to fly tankers or copters, ground forces will not get air support until air clears

Brian
Guest
Brian
6 years ago
Reply to  Grumpy

Inversion effect.

Hopefully it’s keeping the fire growth down though.

Grumpy, thanks for having a scanner and posting pertinent 411.

Brian
Guest
Brian
6 years ago
Reply to  Brian

Due to the smoke, fire activity is a bit moderate.

“Once it lifts, if it does, the fire activity will get a little bit more” active, said Phyllis Swanson with the U.S. Forest Service.

Source:
http://www.redding.com/story/news/2017/08/30/highway-299-closed-due-wildfire/619138001/

Pic from CHP

Grumpy
Guest
Grumpy
6 years ago

Wish I could hear more they are using tac channels Im to far from to hear, I can hear air attack when they are up and local fire depts when they use repeater

Chadwick Ertola
Guest
Chadwick Ertola
6 years ago

San Francisco Fire Dept. sent out “immediate need” crews at between 2 and 3 a.m. today. Should be working to protect structures. Good luck and prayers to everyone.

Brian
Guest
Brian
6 years ago
Jack Sibbald
Guest
Jack Sibbald
6 years ago

Sounds like we may have fire down here in Laytonville? Lots of planes in the air.

Olive
Guest
Olive
6 years ago

My sisters house is one of the houses that got burned and her husband is a volunteer fire fighter and she has not heard from him since last night.

Ullr Rover
Guest
6 years ago

Updated map.
comment image

Ron
Guest
Ron
6 years ago

Sister in law lives at the end of chimariko road any news about that area

Grumpy
Guest
Grumpy
6 years ago

Air attack was up about 1700 and said there was bad visibility and he couldn’t see fire, so no air resources today

Brian
Guest
Brian
6 years ago
Reply to  Grumpy

Helena fire activity minimal

Source:
https://twitter.com/RobElvington/status/903427678967013377

Mark Phillips
Guest
Mark Phillips
6 years ago

6:34 pm update should probably say “Helena” rather than “Harris”. Too many fires on your mind, Kym. But, seriously, thanks for all of your reporting. The timely news is not available elsewhere.

Midnight
Guest
Midnight
6 years ago

Oh my god!! ..fires worse from climate shift..but deniers still say isn’t real. Is this not real? Many prayers for all the victims of wildfire & all fires! Floods,hurricanes. Trecherous world we live in..stay safe❤

Skippy
Guest
Skippy
6 years ago