Butler Fire Closing in on 3000 Acres, 0% Containment

Helicopter fighting the #ButlerFire. [Image from Six Rivers NF Service]

Press release from Six Rivers National Forest Service:

Operational Update: CA Team 1 (CA-CIMT 1) is expected to assume command of the Orleans Complex by Saturday.

• Butler Fire: There was a lot of activity on the Butler Fire [Wednesday], especially in the area of Butler Flat as the fire is backing into the top of the Butler drainage. Crews are in position to receive fire and protect communities and infrastructure along the Salmon River. There will be additional personnel in critical locations along Salmon River Road to monitor safety concerns in the area and carry out a road closure plan if needed. Work began to open pre-existing dozer lines (2024 Boise Fire) in coordination with resource advisors and cultural resource specialists. Although the southwestern portion of the fire is unstaffed, plans are in place to review possibilities for control features as more firefighting resources arrive.

• Red Fire: The Red Fire is estimated to be approximately 113 acres. Smokejumpers and crews are making good progress on putting fireline around the fire. Due to its remote location in the Siskiyou Wilderness, there are no structures threatened or evacuations. Cultural and resource advisors are working in coordination with firefighters working on the ground to protect valuable resources.

• Evacuations: Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office has evacuation warnings and orders in place for the Butler Fire. An Evacuation Order has been issued for zones SIS-1703 (no residents), SIS-1704 (Butler Creek, Lewis Creek, Bloomer Mine residents and Nordheimer Campground), and SIS-1803- A (no residents). Zone SIS-1707 is now in an evacuation order.

• Closures: Due to potential for fire, smoke, and falling debris impacting Salmon River Road, residents should be prepared for potential delays and road closures along the road between Butler Flat and Nordheimber Campground. Nordheimer and Oak Bottom Campgrounds are both closed.

• Weather & Fire Behavior: Over the next few days the weather forecast predicts rising temperatures, decreasing relative humidities, and increasing mixing height for smoke dispersal. These three factors will cause an increase in fire behavior due to drying fuels and more oxygen to the fire. Winds are expected to remain mild though variable due to topography.

• Fire Safety & Prevention: Smoke is expected to settle into the valleys at night and persist during the day. Reduced visibility in the area and possible falling debris along roadways could impact driving safety in the area. Drivers are advised to use caution and check www.roads.dot.ca.gov for any closures before planning trips to the area. If traveling, please make sure to check that trailer chains are properly secured and not dragging and that vehicles are not throwing sparks from wheels, exhaust or other parts. Please report suspected wildfires by calling 911.

  Fire Information: 707-532-5747

  Email: [email protected]

  Fire Information: www.linktr.ee/srffirepio
  Butler Fire Acreage: 2,934

  Butler Fire Containment: 0%
  Red Fire Containment: 25%

  Red Fire Acreage: 113
  Operational Update: CA Team 1 (CA-CIMT 1) is expected to assume command of the Orleans Complex by Saturday.

   

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