Above: 3D map showing the latest Butler Fire perimeter | AG 

###

Press release from the Six Rivers National Forest:

Butler Fire Acreage: 3,971

Butler Fire Containment: 0%

Red Fire Acreage: 113

Red Fire Containment: 35%

Operational Update: California Team 1 (CA-CIMT 1) will assume command of the Orleans Complex today at 6 p.m.

• Butler Fire: Last night, crews successfully completed firing operations to gently back the fire down into the Butler Flat area. The operation resulted in creeping, low intensity fire behavior and successfully met the objective to help protect the Butler Flat community and Salmon River Road. Today, crews will monitor fire from last night’s operations. As the fire moves down the Nordheimer Creek drainage, a similar operation may occur if conditions allow and it is safe to do so. A spike camp has been set up for crews working in the Forks of Salmon area. Today, the Butler and Nordheimer Structure Groups will continue to protect communities and infrastructure along the Salmon River Road with hoselays, pumps and water tanks. Crews will continue to work southwest of Forks of Salmon to scout and re-open lines from the 2024 Boise Fire. Preliminary reconnaissance of the southern portion of the fire is also planned today. A safety plan is in place for the Salmon River Road with coordination with Siskiyou County Roads, Office of Emergency Services (OES), Sheriff’s Office, and the Klamath and Six Rivers National Forests. In close coordination with operations, county road personnel will be clearing debris from the road to keep the roadway open and safe for users. Air resources will continue to provide critical support.

• Red Fire: The Red Fire is holding at approximately 113 acres with containment increased to 35%. Smokejumpers and crews are continuing to make good progress on fireline construction. They are methodically working around the complexities located at the bottom right side the fire as the terrain drops off steeply into Blue Creek. Air resources are assisting operations for the Red Fire. More Cultural resource specialists and resource advisors have arrived to work with the firefighters in that area.

Evacuations:

• Butler Fire: 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), SIS-1803-A (no residents) and SIS-1707-A. Zone SIS-1707-B remains under a Warning, but residents are advised to be prepared as the situation evolves.

• Red Fire: No evacuations in place or structures threatened.

Closures:

• Butler Fire: Residents should be prepared for potential traffic controls or full closures along the road between Butler Flat and Nordheimer Campground. Nordheimer and Oak Bottom Campgrounds are both closed.

• Red Fire: No closures or road impacts.

Weather & Fire Behavior: With the marine influence, relative humidities remained in the 60s which was higher than originally predicted. The inversion layer present will play a key role in determining site- specific fire behavior. In the valleys and lower slopes, weather will remain cool and smoky. However, on the upper slopes and ridges, weather will be hotter with more exposure to afternoon north-northwest gusts up to 20 MPH. Temperatures are expected to increase significantly starting today with a heat wave in the area ramping up over the weekend. Residents who are sensitive to heat and smoke are advised to take extra precaution and limit exposure over the coming days.

Fire Safety & Prevention: Increasing temperatures this weekend will dry out fuels and increase potential fire danger. On hot summer days, being by the river or in the forest recreating can provide some relief. If you are in the forest, please use caution with anything that can spark a wildfire! The Six Rivers National Forest is not currently in fire restrictions. However, campfires should never be left unattended and should be dead out and cool to the touch before leaving. Take the time to make sure that trailer chains are properly secured and not dragging before driving. Don’t drive over or park on dry grass. Please report suspected wildfires by calling 911.

###