Press release from the Incident Management Team:

Location: Hoopa, CA
Acres Burned: 7,610
Containment: 74%
Start Date: August 7, 2026
Personnel: 941
Hand Crews: 20
Dozers: 2
Engines: 31
Water Tenders: 27
Incident Website: linktr.ee/MilePost18Fire
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61593309803992
Public Information: 530-625-2124
Hours: 8 AM – 8 PM
Email: 2026.mp18@firenet.gov

Current Situation: Command of the Mile Post 18 Fire was transferred to California Interagency Incident Management Team 2 yesterday evening. California Team 2 recognizes California Team 1 for the extraordinary efforts they made in suppressing much of MP18 Fire. Their decisive actions coordinating air and ground resources slowed the fire’s spread and established secure containment lines under difficult terrain conditions. Their proactive communication ensured unified situational awareness among all cooperating agencies. California Team 1’s dedication, expertise, and teamwork were instrumental in protecting local communities and critical infrastructure during a complex and rapidly evolving incident.

The Fire’s footprint did not change yesterday, though there was some single‑tree torching in the northern interior along Norton Creek Road. Firefighters made good progress with mop-up along the northern and eastern edges of the fire. Highway 96 is now open; however, there remains a possibility of debris rolling out onto the highway, which could result in temporary road closures. Travelers are urged to use extreme caution and awareness when traveling Highway 96. Traffic may be congested along Highway 96 and other roads near the fire due to the start of the school year and continued fire equipment activity in the area.

Today, crews will continue with mop-up and suppression repairs along the primary containment and contingency lines. On the north side of the fire, heavy dead and down fuels will continue to smolder. Rollout remains possible on steeper slopes, though fewer active heat sources are being observed. Significant heat remains in the Mill Creek drainage as the interior island continues to consume heavy vegetation. Trees adjacent to the line have experienced prolonged fire exposure and remain a potential falling hazard. Minimal fire activity is expected elsewhere within the fire’s footprint, and the fire is not expected to move out of its current footprint.

Crews are initiating suppression repair efforts along secondary contingency lines farther out and will continue to backhaul equipment and supplies off the fireline in places where active suppression is no longer needed. This equipment includes hoses, fittings, and portable pumps.

Evacuations: Humboldt County has issued evacuation warnings for parts of the fire area. Please visit protect.genasys.com for the latest alerts. Weather and Smoke: Temperatures are consistently 10-15 degrees cooler on the fire. Today is expected to be the warmest day of the week, with high temperatures in the 90s. Minimal winds are expected, but conditions will remain hot and dry.

Road Closures: Closures remain in effect for Hostler Ridge Road, Mill Creek Road, and Big Hill Road.