[UPDATE 2 p.m.: Hwy 96 Reopened] Mill Creek Fire Now 79% Contained

Click on the map to download a pdf of the fire map.

Press release from the Mill Creek Fire authorities:

Mill Creek 1 Fire Update
Contact Fire Information: 530-618-2844 Hours: 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.
August 28, 2018

Date of Detection: August 16, 2018
Current Size: 3,643 acres
Location: Mill Creek North of Hoopa California, Hoopa Indian Reservation
Legal Description: Latitude: 41ᵒ 8’ 24” Longitude: 123ᵒ 39’ 36”
Cause: Arson
Containment: 79%
Resources on Fire: There are currently 505 personnel on this incident

CREWS
TYPE 1 HELICOPTERS (HEAVY)
TYPE 2 HELICOPTERS (MEDIUM)
TYPE 3 HELICOPTERS
(LIGHT)
ENGINES
DOZERS
8
2
1
1
36
4

FIRE UPDATE – OPERATIONS: The fire is now 79% contained. In the yet uncontained northeastern section, crews are working hard to secure the perimeter, improve containment lines and mop-up. In the south and southwestern areas, fire crews and engines will be working to ensure that any remaining hotspots are put out. Along the western perimeter, consisting of Highway 96, resources will patrol and extinguish any rolling debris falling onto the highway. Rehabilitation of fire lines, hose and other equipment retrieval is already in progress. In the coming days, resources no longer needed for the fire will be reassigned to support other fires throughout the nation or return home to prepare for their next assignment.

HIGHWAY 96: California State Highway 96 is closed from Bull Creek to Mill Creek due to fire behavior. Traffic is being redirected through Dowd Road. Today August 28, 2018 a pilot car will be provided to assist the public at 7:00 a.m. There will not be a 12:00 (noon) opening of Highway 96. At 3:00 p.m. the road will open to traffic. The public should be aware that fire personnel may still be in this area working in and near the highway.

WEATHER: Today the area around the fire will see temperatures climb into the 80s with lows in the 50s tonight. Relative humidity will drop to around 30% this afternoon. North to Northeast winds can be expected in the overnight and morning hours with West to Northwest winds in the afternoon and evening hours.

Air Quality: This is the last forecast under the title “Hoopa Valley – Eureka Area.” These forecast locations will be moved to “NW California” starting tomorrow. You can get your update by going to: https://wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/NWCalifornia

Attention – The Mill Creek 1 Fire was caused by arson on Tribal lands near Hoopa, California. There is a $10,000 reward offered for information regarding the fire. Calls will be taken on an anonymous hotline by calling 1-800-468-4402.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Hoopa Fire Department and Office of Emergency Services Facebook Page at: https://www.facebook.com/HoopaOES/ or check fire updates for Mill Creek 1, and throughout the country on Inciweb at: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6161/

UPDATE 2 p.m.: From the Mill Creek Fire authorities: “Highway 96 is now open for traffic. Initially there was a 3:00 p.m. schedule for opening the road but crews have completed the work in the Mill Creek 1 Fire Area and say it is safe to be open.Thank you for your support.”