McConnell

Forest closures lifted as fire transitions to local mop-up and patrol

Burning south of Santa Rosa Peak in Humboldt County, the fire saw interior smoldering over the weekend before crews secured all remaining perimeter lines. Activity has diminished to mop-up and patrol with no threat to nearby communities. Incident management has transitioned back to local responders.

Evacuations and Closures

• All Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest closures in the Santa Rosa Ranger District were lifted on September 14, reopening Hinkey Summit Road and Lye Creek Campground.
• No evacuation orders or warnings are in effect as of September 15.

Conditions and Outlook

Winds shift easterly before turning gusty from the south-southwest midweek, followed by cooler conditions and higher humidity. Available brush and grass may sustain isolated interior smoldering, though no perimeter growth is expected. Local firefighters will continue to patrol containment lines and monitor remaining hot spots.

Cause and Context

The fire was ignited by lightning on August 25. Command transferred from an incident management team back to local BLM and Forest Service units as operations shifted toward long-term monitoring.

Official updates current through September 15, 2026.