Mile Post Fire Crews Make Steady Progress, Highway 96 to Partially Reopen

Press release from the North Coast Interagency Type 3 Incident Management Team:

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

The Mile Post Fire remains within its established operational footprint as firefighters continue making steady progress toward incident objectives. Crews remain focused on keeping the fire north of Mill Creek Road, south of Norton Creek, west of Norton Creek Road, and east of Highway 96 while strengthening containment lines and securing the fire’s perimeter. On the north end of the fire, Division A continues burnout operations designed to remove unburned fuels between the fire’s edge and established control lines. These operations are expected to be completed by the end of the operational period. 

On the south end, Division D is conducting extensive mop-up operations to a depth of approximately 20 feet while securing containment lines and continuing construction of the contingency line from Mill Creek Road to Highway 96. These efforts are focused on eliminating residual heat and strengthening control features should fire activity increase. 

Along the Highway 96 corridor, Division Z continues utilizing helicopter bucket drops in coordination with roving patrols to cool hot spots, reinforce containment, and prevent fire spread near the roadway.

Night operations were successfully conducted last night to monitor fire activity, hold completed suppression work, and maintain the integrity of containment lines. Crews will continue to evaluate operational needs based on weather conditions and fire behavior, adjusting resources as necessary to maintain firefighter safety and meet incident objectives. 

Road Closures & Evacuations 

Highway 96 between Hoopa and Weitchpec will reopen to one-lane traffic beginning at 8:00 a.m. Travelers are encouraged to use caution, follow all traffic control directions, and be prepared for possible delays as crews continue working in the area and managing the flow of traffic. We appreciate your patience and cooperation as these efforts help ensure the safety of both the traveling public and roadway personnel. 

To help protect the Hoopa Valley’s natural resources, fire personnel are also implementing Sudden Oak Death (SOD) prevention protocols. Equipment, vehicles, and personnel working in affected areas are following sanitation and decontamination procedures to reduce the potential spread of Phytophthora ramorum, the pathogen responsible for Sudden Oak Death, while continuing suppression operations. These measures help safeguard the Tribe’s forests and culturally significant natural resources as firefighting efforts continue. 

Evacuation warnings are currently in effect. For more updated information visit  

https://humboldtgov.org/2383/Current-Emergencies 

Weather 

Sunny and warm with highs of 84–92°F in the valleys and 70–78°F on ridgetops. Relative humidity will drop to 35–45% with light northwest winds of 5–8 mph. Dry fuels will continue to support active afternoon fire behavior. 

Earlier:

• New Fire Causing Delays on Hwy 96 North of Hoopa
• FIRE EVACUATION WARNING North of Hoopa
• Milepost Fire Grows to 80 Acres, Firefighters Reach 40% Containment as Crews Deal With Blaze Along Highway 96