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Press release from the Six Rivers National Forest:

Butler Fire: 8,156 acres ; 0% containment

Red Fire: 116 acres; 50% containment

Operational Update:

Butler Fire: Fire reached the outer edges of the Butler Flats and Nordheimer communities July 13, but structure protection measures put in place by firefighters earlier in the week held. Helicopters provided support through much of the day, both around Butler Flats and along the Salmon River Road corridor to keep the fire west of the Salmon River.

Crews will continue providing structure protection and monitoring the Salmon River Road corridor for spot fires across the river as winds out of the northwest are expected to increase, including gusts up to 25 miles an hour.

Firefighters are also working with Tribal representatives and cultural resource advisors to reopen dozer and handlines constructed during previous fires in the event of any southern or westerly spread of the fire.

Red Fire: Containment of the Red Fire stayed at 50 percent as crews continued to construct direct control line in order to keep the fire within the smallest possible footprint.

Evacuations:

Butler Fire: Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office has issued evacuation orders for the following zones impacted by the Butler Fire: SIS-1703, SIS-1704 (Butler Creek, Lewis Creek, Bloomer Mine residents and Nordheimer Campground), SIS-1707-A and SIS-1803-A. Zones SIS-1705, SIS-1707-B, SIS-1708, and SIS-1802 are under an evacuation warning, where residents are advised to be prepared to evacuate if conditions become more threatening.

The latest evacuation information can be found at https://protect.genasys.com.

Closures:

Butler Fire: The road between Butler Flat and Nordheimer Campground remains closed as rocks and burning debris continued to fall into the roadway. Nordheimer and Oak Bottom campgrounds are also closed.

Weather and Fire Behavior:

Extreme heat continues today with highs forecast at 105 degrees. Winds will slightly pick up out of the northwest with occasional gusts up to 25 miles an hour.

Fire Safety and Prevention:

Persistently high temperatures will keep fuels dry and increase potential fire danger. Individuals seeking relief from the heat by recreating in streams or rivers or in the forest need to be mindful of their vehicles’ condition or where they park. Roadside sparks or dried vegetation against the heated undercarriage of a vehicle could quickly result in a wildfire.

The Six Rivers and Klamath National Forests are not currently in fire restrictions. However, campfires should never be left unattended and should be dead out and cool to the touch before leaving. Remember, drown, stir, feel, REPEAT. Please report suspected wildfires by calling 911.