09/02/2026
Incident Update: McConnell Fire
September 2, 2026
Acres: 32,851
Start Date: August 25, 2026
Containment: 46%
Cause: Lightning
Total Personnel: 391
Fuels: Brush, Grass, and Timber
Total Resources: 11 crews | 8 helicopters | 10 engines | 4 dozers
Location: 3 miles northeast of Orovada
Summary: Firefighters continue to make progress on the McConnell Fire, increasing containment to 46%. On the western and northwestern portions, crews are patrolling, mopping up, and securing areas that continue to cool. On the eastern side in the Santa Rosa Range, hotshot crews are working through rugged terrain to secure remaining active areas, supported by helicopters conducting bucket work and delivering supplies. Additional helispots have been established to improve access, and another Type 1 helicopter is expected to arrive Wednesday. On the southern portion, firefighters will continue to use limited firing operations to reduce the potential for fire to cross control features.
A swing shift is providing additional coverage on the eastern side overnight where gusty downslope winds could affect fire behavior. Overall fire activity has moderated with most activity expected to consist of unburned vegetation continuing to burn within the fire perimeter.
Weather: Cooler and more humid conditions are expected Wednesday with temperatures dropping 10 to 12 degrees and daytime humidity increasing into the 20% range. Southwest winds may gust around 30 mph. Light showers are possible Wednesday and Thursday with the best chance for precipitation Thursday night into Friday.
Evacuations and Closures: Evacuation zones established in and around areas of the Fire were updated by the Humboldt County officials yesterday. The areas of Paradise Valley and Orovada have been reduced to Level 1 “Get Ready” and the sections C9, C10, and C11 are in Level 2 “Get Set”. Sections B9 and B10 remain in Level 1 “Get Ready” status.
The most current evacuation information can be found at perimetermap.com/humboldt. Authorities are asking the public to remain vigilant and be safe as fire suppression and restoration efforts continue.
All National Forest lands, roads, and trails east of Hinkey Summit Road #50084 within the Santa Rosa Ranger District of the Humboldt Toiyabe National Forest are closed to the public per Forest Closure order 04-17-26-10-02.
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions remain in place for the region. For details, visit nevadafireinfo.org/restrictions.
