From Six Rivers National Forest:

Butler Fire

  • Detected: Wednesday, July 31, 10pm
  • Cause: Under Investigation
  • Fuels: Timber and Brush
  • Estimated Size: 1,463 acres (adjusted after early morning infrared flight.)
  • Containment: 3%
  • Committed Resources: Approximately 505
  • Structures Damaged or Destroyed: 0

Summary:


The Butler Fire, located on the Six Rivers National Forest, is located approximately 10 miles east of Somes Bar, California. Northern California Interagency Team 2 is managing the incident. The following closures remain in effect:

  • Highway 93 (Forks of Salmon Road) is closed at the Highway 96 intersection.
  • Nordheimer Campground is closed.
  • The land around the Salmon River is closed 300 feet from the high watermark between the confluence of Wooley Creek and the confluence of Nordheimer Creek.

Firefighters continue to prioritize protection of residences along the Salmon River. Fire reached the area of Morehouse Mine, where structures are threatened. As of this morning, the fire lines are holding around those structures. The fire continues to burn mostly on the south side of the Salmon River in the area east of Butler Flat. Efforts to reach a spot fire on the north side of the river continue to be hampered by poor visibility and steep terrain. The fire was active around the perimeter yesterday and progressed across Lewis Creek (on the southern side) and into Grant Creek drainage (on the northeastern side). The fire is burning in the fire scars of the Hog Fire (1977). Difficult terrain, heavy vegetation, snags and poor access to the fire have continued to limit firefighting strategies. Crews are working today to open and utilize lines from the Somes Fire (2006).

Health Advisory:

The North Coast Unified Air Quality Management District issued a health alert due to smoke from fires in both California and Oregon. People in impacted areas are advised to restrict outdoor activities. For further information about symptoms, or recommended actions, call the 24 hour Air Quality Advisory Information at 1-866-BURN-DAY or check the district’s website at www.ncuaqmd.org.