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Road closures and evacuation warnings remain in place for the Mile Post 16 Fire burning along Hwy. 96 between Hoopa and Weitchpec. The fire has grown to 80 acres and is 40% contained, according to the Hoopa Office of Emergency Services (OES). As of this writing, no structures are threatened, and the fire remains within containment lines.

Evacuation warnings are still in place for the following zones:

• HIA-E002: north of Oil Springs Rd., south of California Highway 96, east of Bigfoot Scenic Byway, west of Oil Springs Road, Forest Route 10n02
• HIA-E003: north of Carpenter Lane, Pine Creek Rd., south of Bloody Camp Rd., east of Pine Creek Rd., French Camp Rd., west of Bigfoot Scenic Byway

Hwy. 96 will remain closed between Hoopa and Weitchpec overnight to accommodate fire suppression operations and reduce hazards along the roadway, according to Caltrans District 1. Maintenance crews and fire officials will reevaluate conditions early Friday morning.

The Hoopa OES shared the following update on the Mile Post 16 Fire on Facebook:

Dear Community,

We want to provide you with the latest information on the Milepost Fire. As of now, the fire has grown 80 acres and is currently 40% contained. Recent firing operations have been implemented to help strengthen containment lines and manage the situation.

Firefighters are actively working to protect our community and natural resources. We urge everyone to remain vigilant and adhere to any safety guidelines or evacuation orders issued by local authorities.

Stay tuned for further updates, and thank you for your cooperation and support during this challenging time.

🌲 Stay safe, Hoopa! — Hoopa OES Team

More information can be found in the following press release from the North Coast Interagency Type 3 Incident Management Team:

The Incident Management Team extends its appreciation to Incident Commander BLM Trainee Mark Booker and the initial attack resources whose aggressive and coordinated response significantly limited fire growth during the first operational period. At this time, no structures are threatened, and the fire remains within its current footprint.

The North Coast Interagency Type 3 Incident Management Team, led by IC Rod Mendes officially assumed command of the Mile Post Fire at 6:00 p.m. yesterday, continuing suppression operations in close coordination with the Hoopa Valley Tribe, USWFS, Yurok PD, Yurok Fire , Blue Lake Rancheria Fire Hoopa PD., CHP, U.S. Forest Service, Humboldt County Sheriff, and CAL FIRE.

Current Fire Situation

The Mile Post Fire remains within its established operational footprint. Firefighters continue working to keep the fire:

• North of Mill Creek Road
• South of Norton Creek
• West of Norton Creek Road
• East of Highway 96

Crews made substantial progress yesterday by strengthening containment lines in steep, rugged terrain. Heavy equipment successfully connected control lines along the upper portion of the incident, linking with the Division A/Division Z break. Firefighters are planning strategic burnout operations to strengthen containment where conditions allow.

The fire continues to burn in extremely steep and inaccessible terrain with numerous hazards, including rolling rocks, burning material, and heavy fuels. Firefighter safety remains the highest priority throughout all suppression operations.

Evacuations

Evacuation warnings are currently in effect. For more updated information visit https://humboldtgov.org/2383/Current-Emergencies.

Road Closures

Highway 96 will remain closed today due to hazardous conditions and fire operations on the roadway. The designated alternate route remains Nixon-Dowd Road. Motorists are encouraged to follow all posted closures and directions from law enforcement and fire personnel.

Residents are reminded to remain alert for changing conditions and monitor official updates from the Hoopa Valley Office of Emergency Services, Hoopa Wildland Fire, and the North Coast Interagency Type 3 Incident Management Team.

Weather

Warm, dry weather will continue across the incident today with sunny skies and no chance of precipitation. Valley temperatures are expected to reach 84–92°F, while ridgetops will remain 70–78°F. Afternoon minimum relative humidity will drop to 35–45% in the valleys and 44–54% on the ridges, resulting in continued drying of fine fuels. Northwest winds will remain generally light at 5–8 mph, with typical upslope winds during the day and downslope winds overnight. Firefighters will continue monitoring weather conditions closely, as the combination of warm temperatures and low humidity may contribute to increased fire activity during the afternoon burning period.

Operational Priorities

Operational objectives for the next 24 hours include:

Incoming Incident Commander Rod Mendes emphasized that firefighter safety, protection of the Hoopa Valley community, and preservation of cultural resources will remain the team’s top priorities.

With changing weather conditions expected, the Incident Management Team will continue evaluating resource needs daily to ensure sufficient personnel and equipment are available. The team will also work closely with the Hoopa Valley Tribe to ensure suppression efforts reflect Tribal priorities and protect culturally significant areas.

Strong Partnership with the Hoopa Valley Tribe

Hoopa Valley Tribal Chairman Joe Davis thanked responding agencies for their rapid response and reaffirmed the Tribe’s commitment to supporting suppression efforts. He emphasized the importance of protecting Tribal lands and cultural resources through continued collaboration.

The North Coast Interagency Type 3 Incident Management Team thanks the community for its continued patience and support as firefighters work to safely contain the Mile Post Fire while protecting lives, property, and the cultural and natural resources of the Hoopa Valley.

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Note: This post has been updated to include additional information from Hoopa OES.