Elkhorn Fire scorches over 255,000 acres, some evacuation orders downgraded in Southern Humboldt

HUMBOLDT COUNTY, Calif. (KIEM) — As of 9 Friday morning, the Elkhorn Fire, previously referred to as the Hopkins Fire before the two merged, has not jumped the Eel River and has not entered Humboldt County.

At last check, the Elkhorn Fire has scorched 255,309 acres and is 27% contained. Fire crews continue to work to keep the fire east of the Eel River and out of the county away from populated areas.

According to the Humboldt County Office of Emergency Services, the evacuation order for communities south of Highway 36 to Casterlin Road has been downgraded to an evacuation warning. This does not include all properties on Casterlin Road. All properties on Casterlin Road and south to the county line remain under an evacuation order. Alderpoint Road and Bell Springs Road remain closed within the evacuation order area.

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office has released an interactive fire map. In addition to evacuations, it includes evacuation points, community centers, water stations, and road closures. That can be found at humboldtgov.org/evacmap.

The Office of Emergency Services has also partnered with the American Red Cross to establish a regional evacuation center at the county fairgrounds in Ferndale. Here evacuees can access indoor overnight shelter accommodations, meals, water, and fire information. They are also excepting livestock and small animals.