Tuesday, September 29, 2020
Adults, Kids Asked to Play By the Rules as Playgrounds Reopen
Posted By Kimberly Wear on Tue, Sep 29, 2020 at 2:24 PM
Public playgrounds across the state are being allowed to reopen but with adults and children alike needing to use COVID-19 safety practices under guidelines released by the state.
Those include anyone 2 or older wearing a mask and keeping a socially-responsible 6 feet of distance from folks who are from other households as well as limiting visits to 30 minutes when others are present to limit potential transmission of the virus which has so far killed eight Humboldt County residents.
Adults are also required to be present.
“We welcome the opportunity to provide children with access to playground equipment in our lovely parks,” said Humboldt County Health Officer Teresa Frankovich in a news release. “As we learn more about COVID-19 transmission and the greater safety in outdoor versus indoor activities, it is important that we translate that knowledge into action by opening activities as safely as possible.”
Read the county’s release below:
Those include anyone 2 or older wearing a mask and keeping a socially-responsible 6 feet of distance from folks who are from other households as well as limiting visits to 30 minutes when others are present to limit potential transmission of the virus which has so far killed eight Humboldt County residents.
Adults are also required to be present.
“We welcome the opportunity to provide children with access to playground equipment in our lovely parks,” said Humboldt County Health Officer Teresa Frankovich in a news release. “As we learn more about COVID-19 transmission and the greater safety in outdoor versus indoor activities, it is important that we translate that knowledge into action by opening activities as safely as possible.”
Read the county’s release below:
Gov. Gavin Newsom and the California Department of Public Health announced late Monday outdoor public playgrounds can reopen under specific COVID-19 safety guidelines.
According to the guidelines, all people age 2 and older visiting a playground should:
- Wear a facial covering at all times
- Maintain at least 6 feet of physical distance from those outside of their household
- Observe play structure occupancy limits as posted by local jurisdictions
- Keep playground visits to 30 minutes per day when others are present.
Adult supervision is also required at all times by the state to ensure children are adhering to these new guidelines. These guidelines apply to public outdoor playgrounds located in parks, campgrounds and other publicly accessible locations. This guidance does not apply to private or indoor playgrounds or family entertainment centers.
“We welcome the opportunity to provide children with access to playground equipment in our lovely parks,” said Humboldt County Health Officer Dr. Teresa Frankovich. “As we learn more about COVID-19 transmission and the greater safety in outdoor versus indoor activities, it is important that we translate that knowledge into action by opening activities as safely as possible.”
Rules and park capacity guidelines are required to be posted at the entrance of parks.
To read Outdoor Playgrounds and Other Outdoor Recreational Facilities guidelines in full, visit https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-19/Outdoor%20Playgrounds%20and%20other%20Outdoor%20Recreational%20Facilities.aspx
Law Enforcement Looking for Missing Bay Area Woman
Posted By Kali Cozyris on Tue, Sep 29, 2020 at 12:20 PM
The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a missing person's case after a Bay Area woman's car was found abandoned on a logging road near Korbel.
The vehicle, belonging to 75-year-old Betty Baxter Simmons, was found abandoned on Snow Camp Road near Korbel by an employee of a timber company.
A search of the surrounding area for Simmons or any evidence of where she may have gone was conducted with no results.
For more on the case, read the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office's press release below:
The vehicle, belonging to 75-year-old Betty Baxter Simmons, was found abandoned on Snow Camp Road near Korbel by an employee of a timber company.
A search of the surrounding area for Simmons or any evidence of where she may have gone was conducted with no results.
For more on the case, read the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office's press release below:
The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a missing person’s case after a Berkeley woman’s vehicle was found abandoned on a logging road.
On Sept. 24, 2020, at about 8:30 p.m., an employee of a timber company notified the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office that he had discovered a vehicle belonging to 75-year-old Betty Baxter Simmons abandoned on Snow Camp Road near Korbel. The employee found a note on the vehicle’s window with instructions to “Tow to Berkeley”.
Deputies arrived at the location and observed evidence that the vehicle may have become stuck on the road after trying to turn around at a locked gate. It appeared that the vehicle may have been stuck there for some time. Inside the vehicle deputies located Simmons’ personal belongings. A search of the surrounding area for Simmons or any evidence of where she may have gone was conducted with no results.
Upon further investigation, deputies learned that Simmons was reportedly last seen around Sept. 5, 2020 by a neighbor in Berkeley. Simmons reportedly told the neighbor that she would be going on a short trip. Simmons has reportedly not returned to her residence since that time.
Betty Simmons is described as a 75-year-old white female, approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall, 156 pounds, with grey hair and hazel eyes.
This case is still under investigation.
Anyone with information about Simmons’ whereabouts is encouraged to call the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office at (707) 445-7251 or the Sheriff’s Office Crime Tip line at (707) 268-2539.
Bank Robbery Suspect Arrested
Posted By Kimberly Wear on Tue, Sep 29, 2020 at 10:59 AM
One suspect has been arrested and another identified in the Sept. 16 robbery of a bank in Henderson Center.
Nolan Eugene Colegrove, 38, was taken into custody in Arcata on a drug warrant Sept. 25 and Eureka Police served a search warrant on his room in an Alliance Road residence before later arresting him on suspicion of bank robbery, according to a news release.
“EPD Detectives are also investigating Colegrove’s involvement in the September 9, 2020 armed robbery of a check cashing business on 5th Street,” the release states. “The second suspect involved in the bank robbery has been identified. The investigation is ongoing and a second arrest is anticipated later this week.”
The Arcata Police Department and the FBI were involved in the investigation.
Read the EPD release below:
Nolan Eugene Colegrove, 38, was taken into custody in Arcata on a drug warrant Sept. 25 and Eureka Police served a search warrant on his room in an Alliance Road residence before later arresting him on suspicion of bank robbery, according to a news release.
“EPD Detectives are also investigating Colegrove’s involvement in the September 9, 2020 armed robbery of a check cashing business on 5th Street,” the release states. “The second suspect involved in the bank robbery has been identified. The investigation is ongoing and a second arrest is anticipated later this week.”
The Arcata Police Department and the FBI were involved in the investigation.
Read the EPD release below:
On September 16, 2020, at about 12:07 p.m., officers and detectives with the Eureka Police Department (EPD) responded to the report of an armed robbery at a bank on the 2800 block of F Street.
Two male suspects had entered the bank, brandished a firearm, and fled with an undisclosed amount of cash. The suspects were wearing masks and dark baggy clothing. Multiple observant citizens witnessed the suspects flee in a white Ford pickup with a license plate beginning with 49. EPD put the suspect and vehicle information out on Social Media and at 5:56 p.m., a citizen reported a truck matching the description was parked near Foxwood and Arbutus Streets in the Cutten area.
Officers responded and were able to confirm the truck had been involved in the robbery. The truck was towed and held as evidence. EPD would like to thank the numerous citizens who provided detailed descriptions of the suspects and the vehicle. This information was critical and greatly assisted in the investigation.
Detectives called on Special Agents with the FBI and worked with the Arcata Police Department. The team worked together to develop an investigative plan. During their extensive joint investigation, an EPD Detective and FBI Special Agents identified Nolan Eugene Colegrove (38 of Orleans) as one of the two suspects.
On September 25, 2020, Arcata Police Department contacted Colegrove near the 2500 block of Alliance Ave in Arcata. Colegrove was arrested on a drug warrant and booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility (HCCF). EPD and the FBI served a search warrant on Colegrove’s room on Alliance. Later that day, the EPD Detective and FBI Special Agent contacted Colegrove at HCCF and arrested him for his involvement in the September 16th bank robbery.
EPD Detectives are also investigating Colegrove’s involvement in the September 9, 2020 armed robbery of a check cashing business on 5th Street. The second suspect involved in the bank robbery has been identified. The investigation is ongoing and a second arrest is anticipated later this week.
Anyone with questions related to the FBI’s involvement in this case can contact the FBI at (415) 553-7400.
Monday, September 28, 2020
UPDATE: Smoky Skies Throughout the Region; Air Quality and Fire Updates
Posted By Iridian Casarez on Mon, Sep 28, 2020 at 5:35 PM
Air Quality Update:
UPDATE:
PREVIOUS:
The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag warning for the majority of Humboldt, Del Norte and Trinity counties.
According to today's air quality update, gusty east and northeast winds combined with hot temperatures, low humidity values, and dry vegetation will yield a critical fire weather threat through this evening. Areas of poor air quality are expected today through Wednesday.
An Air Quality Advisory for Unhealthy to Very Unhealthy air quality has been issued for the areas of Willow Creek, Weitchpec and Hoopa.
Smoke impacts will continue to reach unhealthy to very unhealthy until tomorrow.
Areas from Rio Dell to Trinidad will see Moderate air quality with periods of Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups to Unhealthy depending on proximity and elevation. Garberville and Redway will see also see Moderate air quality with periods of Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups with periods of Unhealthy conditions depending on fire activity.
Read the full update below.
The Red Salmon Complex Fire:
116,728 acres with 31 percent containment
The Red Salmon complex is burning about 8 miles northeast of Willow Creek, on the Klamath, Six Rivers, and Shasta-Trinity National Forests within Humboldt, Siskiyou, and Trinity Counties and was ignited by a lightning strike on July 27.
Warmer and dryer weather conditions are expected to affect the complex fire as a Red Flag warning is in effect until this evening.
Temperatures are expected to range from the lower 80’s on the lower slopes and valleys, to the mid-90s in the valleys. The relative humidity is predicted to be between 10-20 percent.
"Easterly winds could reach speeds between 15-20, with gusts as high as 30 mph. These conditions have caused the fire activity to increase throughout the day Sunday and into Monday morning. Islands of unburned fuel within the fire’s interior began burning more actively, contributing to the accumulation of smoke in the surrounding communities," today's update states.
The fire crews will continue to work on monitoring the fire and looking for opportunities to improve containment lines along the road to Cecilville east of the fire. While south crews are monitoring the area while continuing to secure containment lines along the ridge.
A temporary flight restriction is placed in the area northeast of Orleans, along with an evacuation warning for Forks of Salmon. The Klamath and Six Rivers National Forests closures have been extended through Sept. 30, however, the closures may be extended depending on fire activity.
The Slater and Devil Fires:
Slater: 154,102 acres, 38 percent containment
Devil 8,410 acres, 18 percent containment
The Slater Devil fire started on Sept. 8, the cause of the fires are still under investigation, however, crews are working to hold and improve the lines from the
Oregon/California border on the west side of Highway 199 east to the
Sucker Creek area, while crews near Happy Camp and the Thompson Creek areas are continuing digging line as close to the fire as they can and use small firing operations where necessary for the Slater fire.
As for the Devil fire, crews are have made good progress on the southeast side of the fire and on the southwest corner of the fire. Firefighters continue to build line along the southwest side and are mopping up hotspots and cleaning up the line as they go.
Current weather conditions of predicted high winds, temperatures, low relative humidity and very dry fuels can create conditions for any new fire starts to spread rapidly. Officials warn residents to use caution while recreating in the area.
UPDATE:
Fortuna and communities in the Eel River drainage as well as Garberville, Shelter Cove, and surrounding communities were added to the list of places with advisories for Unhealthy to Very Unhealthy air quality over the next 24 hours due to fires in the region.
PREVIOUS:
The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag warning for the majority of Humboldt, Del Norte and Trinity counties.
According to today's air quality update, gusty east and northeast winds combined with hot temperatures, low humidity values, and dry vegetation will yield a critical fire weather threat through this evening. Areas of poor air quality are expected today through Wednesday.
An Air Quality Advisory for Unhealthy to Very Unhealthy air quality has been issued for the areas of Willow Creek, Weitchpec and Hoopa.
Smoke impacts will continue to reach unhealthy to very unhealthy until tomorrow.
Areas from Rio Dell to Trinidad will see Moderate air quality with periods of Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups to Unhealthy depending on proximity and elevation. Garberville and Redway will see also see Moderate air quality with periods of Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups with periods of Unhealthy conditions depending on fire activity.
Read the full update below.
The Red Salmon Complex Fire:
116,728 acres with 31 percent containment
The Red Salmon complex is burning about 8 miles northeast of Willow Creek, on the Klamath, Six Rivers, and Shasta-Trinity National Forests within Humboldt, Siskiyou, and Trinity Counties and was ignited by a lightning strike on July 27.
Warmer and dryer weather conditions are expected to affect the complex fire as a Red Flag warning is in effect until this evening.
Temperatures are expected to range from the lower 80’s on the lower slopes and valleys, to the mid-90s in the valleys. The relative humidity is predicted to be between 10-20 percent.
"Easterly winds could reach speeds between 15-20, with gusts as high as 30 mph. These conditions have caused the fire activity to increase throughout the day Sunday and into Monday morning. Islands of unburned fuel within the fire’s interior began burning more actively, contributing to the accumulation of smoke in the surrounding communities," today's update states.
The fire crews will continue to work on monitoring the fire and looking for opportunities to improve containment lines along the road to Cecilville east of the fire. While south crews are monitoring the area while continuing to secure containment lines along the ridge.
A temporary flight restriction is placed in the area northeast of Orleans, along with an evacuation warning for Forks of Salmon. The Klamath and Six Rivers National Forests closures have been extended through Sept. 30, however, the closures may be extended depending on fire activity.
The Slater and Devil Fires:
Slater: 154,102 acres, 38 percent containment
Devil 8,410 acres, 18 percent containment
The Slater Devil fire started on Sept. 8, the cause of the fires are still under investigation, however, crews are working to hold and improve the lines from the
Oregon/California border on the west side of Highway 199 east to the
Sucker Creek area, while crews near Happy Camp and the Thompson Creek areas are continuing digging line as close to the fire as they can and use small firing operations where necessary for the Slater fire.
As for the Devil fire, crews are have made good progress on the southeast side of the fire and on the southwest corner of the fire. Firefighters continue to build line along the southwest side and are mopping up hotspots and cleaning up the line as they go.
Current weather conditions of predicted high winds, temperatures, low relative humidity and very dry fuels can create conditions for any new fire starts to spread rapidly. Officials warn residents to use caution while recreating in the area.
Providence Eureka House Receives $4.3 million for Homeless Housing
Posted By Iridian Casarez on Mon, Sep 28, 2020 at 5:32 PM
Gov. Gavin Newsom has allocated $137 million in Homekey Awards, $4.3 million of which will go to Humboldt County, states an email sent by a spokesperson for the California Department of Housing and Community Development.
Homekey is California's $600 million program to purchase and rehabilitate housing – including hotels, motels, vacant apartment buildings and other properties – and convert them into permanent, long-term housing for people experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness, who are at high risk for serious illness and are impacted by COVID-19.
According to the state announcement, the funding will go to the Providence Eureka house, led by St. Joseph's Hospital, and aid in converting the Humboldt Inn on Fourth street into permanent homes and housing for people exiting hospitals who still need medical care.
The Providence Eureka House will allow 42 units to serve as permanent supportive housing, and 6 units to provide recuperative care services to
people experiencing homelessness who are exiting hospitals but still needing medical care. Providence Eureka House is a 48-unit permanent supportive housing motel conversion.
Homekey is California's $600 million program to purchase and rehabilitate housing – including hotels, motels, vacant apartment buildings and other properties – and convert them into permanent, long-term housing for people experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness, who are at high risk for serious illness and are impacted by COVID-19.
According to the state announcement, the funding will go to the Providence Eureka house, led by St. Joseph's Hospital, and aid in converting the Humboldt Inn on Fourth street into permanent homes and housing for people exiting hospitals who still need medical care.
The Providence Eureka House will allow 42 units to serve as permanent supportive housing, and 6 units to provide recuperative care services to
people experiencing homelessness who are exiting hospitals but still needing medical care. Providence Eureka House is a 48-unit permanent supportive housing motel conversion.
Eighth COVID-Related Death for Humboldt
Posted By Kimberly Wear on Mon, Sep 28, 2020 at 4:27 PM
Humboldt County has recorded its eighth COVID-19 related death after a resident in their 80s died at an out-of-county hospital, Public Health announced today. There were also seven new confirmed cases since Friday and an additional hospitalization.
“Our thoughts are with friends and family members who are feeling this loss,” County Health Officer Teresa Frankovich said in a news release.
Humboldt County remains in the “moderate” category under the state's four-tiered system, with a test positivity rate of 2.5 percent and 4.3 cases per 100,000 individuals, according to the state's data, which will be updated Tuesday. The statewide level is 6.4 cases per 100,000 and a test positivity rate of 3.6 percent.
The state's "substantial" risk tier — which includes counties averaging between 4 and seven new cases a day per 100,000 residents or test positivity rates of 5 to 8 percent — brings tighter restrictions, including further limiting indoor restaurant and gym capacities and closing some "non-essential indoor business operations," like office. If the county were to move into the "substantial risk" tier, it would then need to record numbers in the "moderate" tier for 21 consecutive days before the state would loosen the added restrictions.
To date, Humboldt County has seen 508 confirmed COVID-19 cases with 31 hospitalizations and eight deaths.
Today's results include the processing of 525 samples, with the county at a positivity rate of 1.4 percent over the last week.
“Our thoughts are with friends and family members who are feeling this loss,” County Health Officer Teresa Frankovich said in a news release.
Humboldt County remains in the “moderate” category under the state's four-tiered system, with a test positivity rate of 2.5 percent and 4.3 cases per 100,000 individuals, according to the state's data, which will be updated Tuesday. The statewide level is 6.4 cases per 100,000 and a test positivity rate of 3.6 percent.
The state's "substantial" risk tier — which includes counties averaging between 4 and seven new cases a day per 100,000 residents or test positivity rates of 5 to 8 percent — brings tighter restrictions, including further limiting indoor restaurant and gym capacities and closing some "non-essential indoor business operations," like office. If the county were to move into the "substantial risk" tier, it would then need to record numbers in the "moderate" tier for 21 consecutive days before the state would loosen the added restrictions.
To date, Humboldt County has seen 508 confirmed COVID-19 cases with 31 hospitalizations and eight deaths.
Today's results include the processing of 525 samples, with the county at a positivity rate of 1.4 percent over the last week.
Record High Temperature Set in Eureka
Posted By Iridian Casarez on Mon, Sep 28, 2020 at 3:51 PM
The National Weather Service in Eureka is reporting record high temperature was set in Eureka today at 87 degrees, breaking the previous record of 79 degrees in 1945 and also ties the September and all time record high set on Sept. 2, 2017.
Read the full NWS report, that includes a record breaking temperature report in Crescent City as well, below.
Read the full NWS report, that includes a record breaking temperature report in Crescent City as well, below.
RECORD EVENT REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
245 PM PDT MON SEP 28 2020
...RECORD HIGH TEMPERATURES SET AT EUREKA AND CRESCENT CITY CA...
A RECORD HIGH TEMPERATURE OF 95 WAS SET AT CRESCENT CITY CA TODAY. THIS SHATTERED THE OLD RECORD OF 89 SET IN 1921.
A RECORD HIGH TEMPERATURE OF 87 WAS SET AT EUREKA CA TODAY. THIS BROKE THE PREVIOUS RECORD OF 79 IN 1945. THIS ALSO TIED THE SEPTEMBER AND ALL-TIME RECORD HIGH TEMPERATURES SET ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2017.
APD Searching for Suspects in Robbery
Posted By Kym Kemp on Mon, Sep 28, 2020 at 2:23 PM
The Arcata Police Department is searching for two suspects in a strong-arm robbery who fled in a black Nissan Rogue.
According to APD Detective Sgt. Chris Ortega, at about 12:51 p.m., his department received a report of the crime and responded to a motel in the 4800 block of Valley West in Arcata where they spoke to the victim. According to the victim, two acquaintances had held him down in his motel room and eventually fled after having taken a undisclosed amount of money.
The two men are described as Hispanic and are said to be driving a rental vehicle which is a black Nissan Rogue with license plate number 8JBC734.
“Investigators are following up on leads,” Ortega told us.
Read the full APD press release below.
According to APD Detective Sgt. Chris Ortega, at about 12:51 p.m., his department received a report of the crime and responded to a motel in the 4800 block of Valley West in Arcata where they spoke to the victim. According to the victim, two acquaintances had held him down in his motel room and eventually fled after having taken a undisclosed amount of money.
The two men are described as Hispanic and are said to be driving a rental vehicle which is a black Nissan Rogue with license plate number 8JBC734.
“Investigators are following up on leads,” Ortega told us.
Read the full APD press release below.
SUSPECTS SOUGHT IN VALLEY WEST STRONG-ARM ROBBERY
On Monday September 28, 2020, at approximately 12:51 pm, the Arcata Police Department responded to a strong-arm robbery inside of a motel room in the 4800 block of Valley West Boulevard. A 29 year-old male victim reported two male acquaintances held him down inside of his room and took an undisclosed amount of cash. The suspects fled in an unknown direction of travel in a black 2019 Nissan Rouge, bearing California license plate number 8JBC734. The suspect vehicle is a rental out of San Francisco. Weapons were not used or mentioned during the robbery.
The suspects are described as follows:
Suspect #1: A Hispanic male in his twenties with a medium build, last seen wearing a black hat, dark hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans and a Gucci brand satchel across the front of his body.
Suspect #2: A Hispanic male in his twenties with an athletic build, last seen wearing a light grey hooded sweatshirt, dark blue sweat pants and multi-colored sneakers.
Investigators are following up on leads and anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Arcata Police Department at 707-822-2428.
Suspect and suspect vehicle photos are available through Arcata Police Department's social media.
UPDATE: Blocksburg, Fort Seward, Alderpoint Residents Urged to Prepare Now to Move Livestock, Other Animals
Posted By Kimberly Wear on Mon, Sep 28, 2020 at 1:13 PM
UPDATE:
The Humboldt County Office of Emergency Services is urging residents in the
Fire officials are warning that conditions are apt for another “dynamic day” on the North Zone of the August Complex, which forced the evacuation of Ruth Lake and other areas and put swaths of Southern Humboldt County on alert.
“It’s for your safety and for firefighters’ safe,” McDonald said, noting that those who remain behind can hinder air suppression and other means of combatting the blaze.
Last night, the Office of Emergency Services put residents in Southern Humboldt on evacuation warnings, noting around 10 p.m. that those could very well translate into evacuation orders today.
Those under warnings are:
A red flag warning for the region remains in effect until 9 p.m. Monday, according to the Eureka office of the National Weather Service, and temperatures are expected to heat up on the coast as well as inland.
For questions related to Humboldt County Evacuation Warnings call 707-268-2500.
Information from OES:
August Complex North Zone Update:The Humboldt County Office of Emergency Services is urging residents in the
areas of Blocksburg, Fort Seward and Alderpoint to make plans now to move livestock and domestic animals in preparation for a possible Evacuation Order.
PREVIOUS:
For questions related to Humboldt County Evacuation Warnings call 707-268-2500.
Fire officials are warning that conditions are apt for another “dynamic day” on the North Zone of the August Complex, which forced the evacuation of Ruth Lake and other areas and put swaths of Southern Humboldt County on alert.
Chris Moore, a fire behavior analyst, gave a blunt assessment during a morning briefing, saying conditions on the ground today are just as potent as yesterday and “everyone needs to pay attention to where they are.”
Incident commander Norm McDonald said there is fire in and around Ruth Lake and structures were impacted but the number was unknown. The same applies to the area of Forest Glen He emphasize that it was “very important” for anyone in an evacuation zone to leave. “It’s for your safety and for firefighters’ safe,” McDonald said, noting that those who remain behind can hinder air suppression and other means of combatting the blaze.
The closure for State Route 36 now extends from the Humboldt County line on the west to the junction with Bowman Road on the east.
On Sunday, live embers were documented landing 8 miles ahead of the active fire front, according to this morning's North Zone update, igniting spot fires beyond control lines east of Forest Glen, north of State Route 36, and west of South Fork Mountain.
"The fires advanced to Ruth Lake and to the west side of the lake by afternoon," the update states. "Crews are responding to the spot fires as conditions permit, working through the night. Firefighters continue to focus on firefighter and public safety, as well as point protection for structures."
"The fires advanced to Ruth Lake and to the west side of the lake by afternoon," the update states. "Crews are responding to the spot fires as conditions permit, working through the night. Firefighters continue to focus on firefighter and public safety, as well as point protection for structures."
Last night, the Office of Emergency Services put residents in Southern Humboldt on evacuation warnings, noting around 10 p.m. that those could very well translate into evacuation orders today.
Those under warnings are:
All communities east of Alderpoint Road, spanning south from Showers Pass Road to Harris Road, and all communities east of Harris Road spanning south from Alderpoint Road to Pipe Creek are now included in an evacuation warning due to conditions related to the August Complex North Zone.
Areas east of Alderpoint Road to the Trinity County border and south of Showers Pass Road to Mountain Creek due to rapidly evolving wildfire conditions related to the August Complex North Zone. Areas east of Bell Springs Road to the Trinity County border and south of Pipe Creek to the Mendocino County border due to rapidly evolving wildfire conditions related to the August Complex West Zone.
A red flag warning for the region remains in effect until 9 p.m. Monday, according to the Eureka office of the National Weather Service, and temperatures are expected to heat up on the coast as well as inland.
For questions related to Humboldt County Evacuation Warnings call 707-268-2500.
Information from OES:
An evacuation warning means that there is potential threat to life and property and prepares people for a potential Evacuation Order. Residents should prepare for potential evacuations, including personal supplies and overnight accommodations. A map of evacuation warning zones is available at humboldtgov.org/evacmap or humboldtsheriff.org.
RESOURCES FOR THE COMMUNITY
The American Red Cross-Gold Country Region is available to assist fire evacuees with sheltering resources. Evacuees in need of these resources should call 530-276-8034.
HELPFUL INFORMATION
County residents are encouraged to sign up for Humboldt Alert at humboldtgov.org/alerts.
American Red Cross Virtual Temporary Evacuation Point: 530-276-8034
August Complex West Zone Fire Information Line (Cal Fire): 707-355-4926 August Complex North Zone Fire Information Line (USFS): 530-628-0039
For more information regarding the August Complex Fire’s current impact on Humboldt County and current evacuation areas, please go to humboldtsheriff.org, or visit @HumCoOES on Facebook and Twitter.
(Redding, CA) – Wind gusts continue to push the fire west, prompting evacuation orders to the Trinity County line and evacuation warnings in Humboldt County.
High winds are forecast throughout the day today, with gusts exceeding 30 miles per hour and potentially accelerating down the west slope of South Fork Mountain, threatening communities to the west and north. The Ruth Valley and Mad River Valley are aligned to funnel the forecast winds and encourage fire spread in these areas. Residents are urged to comply with evacuation orders and to stay out of the area. Many roads are impassable due to fire and fallen trees.
The fire remains extremely active; winds are carrying embers well beyond containment lines, and there is high potential for the fire to develop an active plume. As fire activity increases with the winds and the heat of the day, large smoke columns are expected to form. Like thunderheads, columns build and then collapse. Collapsing columns are extremely dangerous, violently forcing winds outward, carrying fire and live embers far and wide.
Extreme conditions are forecast into the evening; the Red Flag Warning is expected to end by 9pm. Live embers were documented landing 8 miles ahead of the active fire front on Sunday. Spot fires ignited beyond control lines east of Forest Glen, north of State Route 36, and west of South Fork Mountain. The fires advanced to Ruth Lake and to the west side of the lake by afternoon. Crews are responding to the spot fires as conditions permit, working through the night.
Firefighters continue to focus on firefighter and public safety, as well as point protection for structures. New closures include all roads in Van Duzen, Mad River, Ruth, and Hettenshaw areas. Ruth Zenia Road is closed east of the US Forest Service Zenia Guard Station. The closure for State Route 36 now extends from the Humboldt County line on the west to the junction with Bowman Road on the east.
New evacuation orders include Mad River, Lower Mad River Road, Zenia, and Kettenpom. Smoke will likely move back into the region in the next day or two, calming fire behavior. Hot, dry weather will persist with prime conditions for continued fire growth. The winds are presently aiding containment work on the east flank. Crews continue to hold and improve the fireline, preparing for the return of seasonal winds from the southwest.
Sunday, September 27, 2020
UPDATE: SoHum Evacuation Warnings Expanded Again
Posted By Kimberly Wear on Sun, Sep 27, 2020 at 7:48 PM
UPDATE:
PREVIOUS:
Winds are pushing smoke from the wildfires surrounding Humboldt County toward the coast tonight as rapidly changing conditions on the August Complex are placing more areas in Southern Humboldt under evacuation warning.
Ruth Lake is under evacuation.
Areas under evacuation warnings:
All communities east of Alderpoint Road, spanning south from Showers Pass Road to Harris Road, and all communities east of Harris Road spanning south from Alderpoint Road to Pipe Creek are now included in an evacuation warning due to conditions related to the August Complex North Zone.
According to the Office of Emergency Services, an evacuation order is expected to be issued for tomorrow, but that will be dependent on overnight fire activity. Residents are asked to prepare now for potential evacuations and not call 911 for wildfire information.
According to the Office of Emergency Services, an evacuation order is expected to be issued for tomorrow, but that will be dependent on overnight fire activity. Residents are asked to prepare now for potential evacuations and not call 911 for wildfire information.
PREVIOUS:
Winds are pushing smoke from the wildfires surrounding Humboldt County toward the coast tonight as rapidly changing conditions on the August Complex are placing more areas in Southern Humboldt under evacuation warning.
Ruth Lake is under evacuation.
Areas under evacuation warnings:
Areas east of Alderpoint Road to the Trinity County border and south of Showers Pass Road to Mountain Creek due to rapidly evolving wildfire conditions related to the August Complex North Zone.
Areas east of Bell Springs Road to the Trinity County border and south of Pipe Creek to the Mendocino County border due to rapidly evolving wildfire conditions related to the August Complex West Zone.
A red flag warning for the region remains in effect until 9 p.m. Monday, according to the Eureka office of the National Weather Service, and temperatures are expected to heat up on the coast as well as inland.
Read the OES release below:
Evacuation warnings have been issued today for areas of Southern Humboldt County impacted by the August Complex Fire. CURRENT EVACUATION INFORMATION An EVACUATION WARNING has been issued for the following communities: Areas east of Alderpoint Road to the Trinity County border and south of Showers Pass Road to Mountain Creek due to rapidly evolving wildfire conditions related to the August Complex North Zone.
An EVACUATION WARNING has been issued for the following communities: Areas east of Bell Springs Road to the Trinity County border and south of Pipe Creek to the Mendocino County border due to rapidly evolving wildfire conditions related to the August Complex West Zone.
An evacuation warning means that there is potential threat to life and property and prepares people for a potential Evacuation Order. Residents should prepare for potential evacuations, including personal supplies and overnight accommodations. A map of evacuation warning zones is available at humboldtgov.org/evacmap or humboldtsheriff.org.
RESOURCES FOR THE COMMUNITY
The American Red Cross-Gold Country Region is available to assist fire evacuees with sheltering resources. Evacuees in need of these resources should call 530-276-8034.
HELPFUL INFORMATION
County residents are encouraged to sign up for Humboldt Alert at humboldtgov.org/alerts.
American Red Cross Virtual Temporary Evacuation Point: 530-276-8034
August Complex West Zone Fire Information Line (Cal Fire): 707-355-4926 August Complex North Zone Fire Information Line (USFS): 530-628-0039
For more information regarding the August Complex Fire’s current impact on Humboldt County and current evacuation areas, please go to humboldtsheriff.org, or visit @HumCoOES on Facebook and Twitter.
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