The MP-18 Fire in Humboldt County has shut down State Route 96 near Hoopa and triggered evacuation warnings for nearby communities. The Hoopa Fire Department says the blaze has grown to an estimated 300-500 acres with no containment.
Key Takeaways
- SR96 is fully closed between Weitchpec and Hoopa; no reopening time has been announced.
- The fire is burning on both sides of the highway, with 0% containment as of Saturday morning.
- Evacuation warnings cover three zones: HIA-E002, HIA-E004, HIA-E014-A.
- Caltrans expects the closure to last into Sunday, with reassessment at daybreak.
- Cal Fire has sent hand crews and Type 2 dozers; two helicopters and an air tanker are also on scene.
Highway Closure and Fire Growth
Caltrans District 1 closed State Route 96 between post miles 15.5 and 19.5 due to the wildfire burning on both sides of the road. The closure effectively blocks travel from Weitchpec to Hoopa. In a Facebook post, Caltrans said the highway would remain closed through Saturday and conditions would be reassessed Sunday morning. The agency cited safety concerns for firefighters and the public because of steep terrain, falling trees and debris near the roadway. Message boards were activated near Willow Creek and at the intersection of routes 96 and 263 to warn travelers of the closure.
The fire was first reported Friday evening as a small vegetation fire around 5 p.m. It grew to about 50 acres by that night. By Saturday morning, the Hoopa Fire Department estimated the burn area at 300 to 500 acres. The fire jumped a line at Norton Creek Road, prompting Cal Fire to deploy hand crews and Type 2 dozers. An air attack was set for 10 a.m. Additional support came from Lower Trinity, Orleans and other out-of-area resources.
Evacuation Warnings
Evacuation warnings were issued around 10:30 a.m. Saturday for three zones around Hoopa: HIA-E002, HIA-E004 and HIA-E014-A. These warnings are listed on the Watch Duty app and the Genasys Protect map. Residents should prepare to leave if the warnings are upgraded to orders.
Weather Concerns
The Hoopa Fire Department warned that dry conditions above 1,500 feet, hot temperatures and afternoon winds could create Red Flag conditions within the burn site Saturday. The department noted that the dry conditions were most pronounced in westerly aspects of the fire area, and that enhanced wind speeds and low relative humidity could lead to Red Flag conditions in the afternoon. Morning winds were expected to be lighter to moderate, increasing around 2 p.m. through sunset before calming at night and allowing some humidity recovery. Sunday will see similar conditions, with slightly less extreme daytime heating. Temperatures could reach 104 degrees this weekend. Smoke from the fire is creating localized patchy smoke in eastern Humboldt County.
Local California Context
This stretch of State Route 96 is a critical link for the Hoopa Valley and surrounding tribal communities. The highway was closed in the same area just a few weeks ago due to a smaller fire, according to Caltrans. Road closures can isolate rural towns and slow access for emergency services. The Humboldt County Office of Emergency Services is tracking the incident, and current emergency information is available through the county website.
Background
Humboldt County regularly faces wildfire threats during late summer, especially in rugged terrain where access is limited. The MP-18 Fire is one of several recent wildfires in Northern California. Fire officials are relying on aircraft and hand lines to slow the spread until crews can establish containment.
Conclusion
The MP-18 Fire remains an active, uncontained incident with major impacts on travel and public safety. Anyone near Hoopa should monitor evacuation warnings and road closures. Check Cal Fire incident reports and Caltrans QuickMap for the latest updates.