Hill Fire Grows to 5,563 Acres with 4% Containment

The Hill Fire has now expanded to 5,563 acres with containment at 4%, according to the latest reports. According to InciWeb, yesterday, the fire advanced to the 6NO6 Forest Road near Ammon Ridge, where tactical firing operations were used to prevent the fire from crossing the road. “Tactical firing is conducted to increase the depth of the fireline and eliminate pockets of fuel that could threaten its integrity,” according to the Forest Service.

The fire was active in the Mosquito Creek drainage last night. Incident Command has heavy equipment and hand crews coming from the east and from the west to establish fire lines. Throughout the evening, crews continued strengthening these lines and patrolling Route 1 and 6NO6 Road, focusing on the northern end of the fire.

The thick marine layer that came in yesterday helped firefighters by increasing humidity. It is expected to continue today and make firing operations easier.

Fire crews are also assessing structures along Friday Ridge Road and in the communities to the north and east of the fire. They are developing a Structure Defense Plan to protect these structures if needed.

Stats:

Redwood Acres is closed to the public as it  is now a Cal Fire Camp for the Hill Fire. “All upcoming fairgrounds events have been canceled for at least the next two weeks,” Redwood Acres wrote. “Please drive cautiously in the area as increased traffic is expected.”

Humboldt County says,

Humboldt County Public Works has closed the following roads:

• • • Harris Street at Hubbard Lane 
    • Hall Avenue at Myrtle Avenue 

due to the activation of the CAL FIRE Incident Management Base Camp at Redwood Acres.

These closures will be in effect for at least the next two weeks.

Please use alternate routes.