Yesterday’s view from the air. Photo: Calfire.

Good news/bad news from the front. 

On the good side, all mandatory evacuation orders have been lifted in the neighborhood of the Tully Fire. (Or “Tulley Fire” — authorities seem unable to reach consensus on how to spell the incident.) The emergency shelter set up by the Red Cross in Hoopa has been closed. Anyone still needing shelter assistance is asked to call the Red Cross at (866) 272-2237.

Highway 169 is open again, according to the Humboldt County Office of Emergency Services. Drive slow, keep an eye out for emergency vehicles.

Nearly 1,400 people are working the fire — 95 fire engines, 17 bulldozers, 15 water tenders, 11 helicopters and 50 hand crews. 

But while the five-day-old fire has not yet burst up to consume thousands of acres, as fires in other parts of the state have, it has steadily grown to nearly 600 acres in size, and of course is burning in rough, difficult terrain and heavy timber. It’s only 20 percent contained. Forty structures are still threatened, and residents who were previously ordered to evacuate are asked to remain vigilant and ready to move in case things take an unexpected turn. The fire has crossed Cappell Creek.

The cause of the fire is arson. The Yurok Tribe is asking for the public’s help in catching the arsonist. One home and outbuilding were destroyed. Calfire believes that they can have this thing fully contained by this time next week.

Laying down retardant. Photo: Calfire.

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