Editor's note:Every year, we at The Triplicate take a look back at the top stories of the previous year. This year, we are using analytics on our website to help decide the top 10 stories. The following stories were the top 10 based on page views at triplicate.com.1 - Fast-moving fire forces evacuation of Gasquet area#placement_573654_0_i{width:100%;max-width:550px;margin:0 auto;}var rnd = window.rnd || Math.floor(Math.random()*10e6);var pid573654 = window.pid573654 || rnd;var plc573654 = window.plc573654 || 0;var abkw = window.abkw || '';var absrc = 'https://ads.empowerlocal.co/adserve/;ID=181918;size=0x0;setID=573654;type=js;sw='+screen.width+';sh='+screen.height+';spr='+window.devicePixelRatio+';kw='+abkw+';pid='+pid573654+';place='+(plc573654++)+';rnd='+rnd+';click=CLICK_MACRO_PLACEHOLDER';var _absrc = absrc.split("type=js"); absrc = _absrc[0] + 'type=js;referrer=' + encodeURIComponent(document.location.href) + _absrc[1];document.write('');In September, a fast-moving fire caused havoc in Gasquet and other areas of Del Norte County.The Slater fire grew from 150 acres to 22,000 acres in one day, closed portions of Highway 199 and quickly moved toward Gasquet. As residents were evacuated, they met at the Del Norte County Fairgrounds. Due to COVID-19, the county was unable to house residents there.Eventually, the fire was controlled, and residents were allowed to return, but fire officials said the fire was within a few hours of reaching and destroying the community.Portions of Highway 199 were closed for 10 days but the fire stalled in the Oregon Mountain Road and Knopki Creek areas, which saved Gasquet.2 - Human skeletal remains found in Crescent CityIn January, the Del Norte Sheriff's Office reported finding human remains in an abandoned camp trailer in Crescent City.The sheriff's office was called to the trailer Jan. 9 and confirmed the remains were of a man. The remains were probably in the trailer for a year before they were found.At the time the body was found, sheriff's investigators said they likely knew who the man was, but they were waiting to notify next of kin and cause of death before releasing any more information. The man was later identified as Anthony Salazar.3 - Redwood Canopy Trail opens at Trees of MysteryIn July, the Trees of Mystery in Klamath revealed its newest attraction, the Redwood Canopy Trail.The Canopy Trail features a 526-foot path over eight suspension bridges and 10 platforms that range from 50-100 feet above the ground.“The experience puts you into the canopy of the redwood trees,” park office manager Brenda Lopez explained. “There isn’t another canopy trail in old growth redwoods, anywhere.”4 - Roseburg man killed in hit and run in Smith RiverEarly in January, tragedy struck the new year when a man walking along Highway 101 was hit and killed by a driver in Smith River.The California Highway Patrol reported the 37-year-old was walking along the highway when a vehicle hit him and fled the scene. The man was transported to Mercy Medical Center in Roseburg, where he was declared dead.5 - DNA test reunites father and daughter after 57 yearsIn August some good news came out when George Hartman was united with a daughter he never knew he had.Hartman received a DNA kit for Christmas. While he was testing his ancestry, Patricia Stansberry was using DNA to try to find her dad. After making a match, the two finally got to meet, 57 years after Stansberry was born. When they met in Crescent City, it was a special time.“I was so tickled to have George as my dad,” Stanberry said. “I had always pictured in my head what dad looks like. George fits the bill.”6 - COVID-19In March, a new virus emerged that changed everyone for the rest of the year. Over the next nine months, lockdowns, business closures, economic devastation, sickness and death became a part of life. As the year comes to an end, Del Norte County has had more than 700 people infected with two deaths.After months of devastation, a bit of good news came out in December as COVID-19 vaccines became available and the first recipients were vaccinated.7 - Commercial for Nissan filmed on Crescent City coastlineIn September, Crescent City was briefly taken over by cameras and actors as Nissan visited the community to film a new commercial.Joshua Eldridge, who chose the location, said the scenery in Crescent City was perfect.“That view, from that road, looking back up the coast and all those rocks. It’s very beautiful. It’s a very stunning coastline,” Eldridge said.8 - Italian Restaurant shut down on Valentine's DayOn Valentine's Day, Bellanotte Italian Restaurant was prepared for a massive crowd. But when an employee complained about rotten meat, things began to go downhill.Before long, police were at the restaurant and the health department was called in. After an inspection, the restaurant was shuttered due to health concerns.9 - Winter storm closes 199, Crescent City on flood watchIn mid-January, a strong winter storm hit Del Norte County, shutting down Highway 199 with snow and fallen trees.In Crescent City, the threat wasn't so much snow but heavy rain that threatened to cause floods.10 - Wildfires push smoke, ash into regionIn September, it felt like California and Oregon were on fire. Del Norte County was mostly spared, but the fires pushed ash and smoke into the region.When things were the worst, emergency officials asked local residents not to call 911 with fire reports unless the saw flames. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('ad-1515727'); });