[UPDATE 7:49 a.m.: Hwy 96 is Closed] New Fire Causing Delays on Hwy 96 North of Hoopa

Fire streams up a steep cliff near State Route 96 this morning. [Photo from Hoopa Fire Department and OES Facebook page]

At approximately 1:30 A.M., Hoopa Dispatch received reports of two separate vegetation fires in the Gorge area near Mile Post 16 on Highway 96 within the Hoopa Valley Reservation. The fires were located north of Mill Creek Road, south of Norton Creek, east of Norton Creek Road, and west of Highway 96.

Responding firefighters determined the two fires had merged into a single incident. The fire is currently estimated at approximately 50 acres.

Fire suppression efforts are being challenged by extremely steep terrain with slopes ranging from 75% to 100%, numerous rock outcroppings, and limited access. These hazardous conditions require firefighters to prioritize safety while implementing suppression strategies.

Additional resources have been ordered, including personnel from Hoopa Wildland Fire, the U.S. Forest Service Lower Trinity Ranger District, U.S. Forest Service Division 3, Yurok Wildland Fire, air resources, additional engines, and hand crews.

TRAFFIC ADVISORY

Motorists traveling on Highway 96 between Hoopa and Weitchpec should expect delays due to active fire operations. Fire apparatus, emergency personnel, and aircraft will be working throughout the incident area. Please reduce your speed, remain alert, and follow all directions from emergency personnel. Additional traffic controls or closures may become necessary.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. There are no evacuation orders at this time. Residents are encouraged to monitor official Hoopa Wildland Fire and Hoopa Valley Tribe Office of Emergency Services communications for updates.

We appreciate the continued support and cooperation of the community as firefighters work to protect lives, homes, cultural resources, and the natural resources of the Hoopa Valley Reservation.

UPDATE 7:48 a.m.: Fire crews battling the Mile Post 16 fire on the Hoopa Valley Reservation continue to contend with difficult terrain, and Highway 96 is now fully closed through the fire area.

According to Caltrans QuickMap, Highway 96 is closed in both directions from Carpenter Lane to approximately 0.93 miles north of the Sidehill Viaduct due to emergency work. As of 7:39 a.m., there was no estimated time for reopening the highway.

Additional firefighting resources continue to respond to the incident. Scanner traffic indicates a Humboldt Unit (HUU) bulldozer has been dispatched to the Mile Post 16 fire for agency assistance, adding to the growing number of resources assigned to the blaze.