From Caltrans District Two:

Highway 299

Caltrans District 2, in coordination with the California Interagency Incident Management Team 3, Cal Fire, California Highway Patrol, Trinity County Sheriff’s Office, and Trinity County Department of Transportation anticipates continuing the following opening schedule on State Route 299W in the area of the Helena Fire until further notice. 

SINGLE-TIME OPENINGS ANTICIPATED AT:

  • 5:30 a.m.
  • 9 a.m.
  • 12 p.m.
  • 3 p.m. 2 p.m.
  • 5:30 p.m.
  • 9:30 p.m.
THIS SCHEDULE IS ANTICIPATED TO CONTINUE DAILY (SEVEN DAYS A WEEK) UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

Eastbound and westbound traffic IN LINE at these times will be allowed through the area under traffic control, depending on fire activity and operations.  Motorists are also asked not to stage in the area early.  Please arrive at the highway closure areas within 15 – 20 minutes of the scheduled opening times.  Traffic arriving in these areas too far in advance will be turned around and directed to find another place to wait.

PLEASE NOTE: 

These openings are for THROUGH TRAFFIC ONLY.  All areas under evacuation orders remain closed. Following the 9:30 p.m. anticipated opening, the highway will be closed overnight.
The highway is subject to closure AT ANY TIME due to fire conditions.  Travelers are urged to drive slowly and carefully through the area. Visibility may be decreased due to smoke and fire crews and equipment will be present in the area.

Highway 36
 
STATE ROUTE 36W ANTICIPATED FULL HIGHWAY CLOSURE SCHEDULE (West of Dinsmore, Humboldt County):

  • Monday through Thursday:  Full highway closures planned between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. and again between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.
  • Friday:  Full highway closures planned between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. and again between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
  • Motorists may experience one-way traffic control in mornings and evenings following highway closure periods.
  • Through traffic will be allowed through between 12 p.m. and 1 p.m., Monday through Friday.

State Route 299W has been closed between Junction City and Big Flat since the Helena Fire began on the evening on August 30.  The fire is currently at 11,013 acres, with 14% containment, per the fire briefing this morning.

Agencies will continue to monitor the situation, and provide updates when they are available.