Archive · 9 Aug 2026
Humboldt County Wildfire Closes Highway 96 Near Hoopa
A big fire started in California, near a town called Hoopa.
Firefighters call it the MP18 Fire.
It began on Friday evening, after 7 o'clock.
By Saturday morning, the fire had grown bigger by about 300 acres.
An acre is about the size of a football field, so that is a lot of land.
The fire moved so fast that it reached a big road called Highway 96.
Because of this, the road had to be closed to keep people safe.
People who live nearby were told to get ready to leave.
Fire crews from Cal Fire are watching the fire closely.
Everyone is hoping the fire gets under control soon.
The fast-moving MP18 Fire is burning north of Hoopa in Humboldt County, California.
The fire was first reported shortly after 19:00 local time on Friday.
It had grown by about 300 acres by Saturday morning, according to Cal Fire.
Flames reached Highway 96, forcing the major highway to close.
Evacuation warnings have been issued for the area due to the spreading fire.
- Who
- Cal Fire and residents near Hoopa in Humboldt County, California
- What
- A fast-moving wildfire called the MP18 Fire that reached a major highway
- When
- First reported shortly after 19:00 local time on Friday, with significant growth by Saturday morning
- Where
- North of Hoopa, Humboldt County, California
- Why
- Flames reached Highway 96 and the fire is spreading quickly, prompting closures and evacuation warnings
- Fire Name
- MP18 Fire
- Location
- North of Hoopa, Humboldt County, California
- First Reported
- Shortly after 19:00 local time on Friday
- Growth
- About 300 acres by Saturday morning
- Road Closure
- Highway 96 closed after flames reached the roadway
- Evacuation Status
- Evacuation warnings issued
- Reporting Agency
- Cal Fire