3,000 acre arson-caused Mill Creek 1 Fire causes traffic diversions

HOOPA, Calif. (KIEM) – The Mill Creek 1 Fire burning near Hoopa is about 3,000 acres as of Friday, according to the Hoopa Valley Fire Department.

Tall grass and timber continue to feed the fire in its eighth day, as firefighters make progress on containment.

370 firefighters are dedicated to fighting back the arson caused-fire, reaching to 42% containment as of Friday. Crews are focusing on the south-end of the fire to defend community areas.

The fire has not jumped Highway 96, although a noon pilot car escort through the Highway 96 roadway was canceled on Friday for safety reasons. The 6PM escort was executed as planned.

Daily 7AM, noon, and 6PM escorts through Highway 96 will be evaluated as necessary, but most traffic is being diverted to Dowd Road.

Smoke impacts are also considered ‘unhealthy’ and ‘very unhealthy’ in surrounding areas. More details on that are available, here.

As for the person responsible for starting the fire on tribal lands, a suspect is still at large.

A $10,000 dollar reward remains for anyone with information on the arsonist. Information can be called in at 1-800-468-4402.

For emergency alerts and information related to the Mill Creek 1 Fire, click here.