Press release from Orleans Fire Complex Incident Management:

VIRTUAL COMMUNITY MEETING TONIGHT JULY 25, 2025,=

Watch live on YouTube at this link.

The meeting will also be shared on:

• Klamath National Forest Facebook Page and
• Six Rivers National Forest Facebook Page

CURRENT SITUATION:

The California Interagency Incident Management Team 4 has officially taken command of the Orleans Complex Fire. and is now in unified command with the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office and the Office of Emergency Management for the Orleans Complex Fire. Together, they are leading efforts to manage the fire and keep the public safe and informed.

Last night - Rainfall overnight helped slow down fire activity. Crews were also able to continue firing operations, which went well and helped strengthen containment lines.

Today - In the northern area of the Butler Fire, crews are continuing efforts to hold the fire on Salmon River Road. They are also watching the area closely and mop up where safe to do so. On the northeast side, firefighters will continue direct line construction, mop up, and work to prevent the fire from moving into Crapo Creek. Moving down the east side, direct line construction will continue in Murderers Gulch as terrain and fire behavior permit. A structure protection group is in place to prepare structures.

At the southeastern end, firefighters will continue to construct and improve lines along Hoteling Ridge. They are also working to mop-up existing lines in Knownothing Creek. On the west side, the fire is slowly backing towards existing lines east and west of Orleans Mountain Lookout. Mop up will continue in areas where the fire has made it to control lines. Firefighters will respond to any fire movement out of Lunch Creek and Hemmel Creek toward constructed lines.

WEATHER:

A Red Flag Warning is in effect for Friday in anticipation of another round of thunderstorms for the fire area. Gusty outflow winds in excess of 40 mph, brief heavy rainfall, cloud to ground lightning and small hail are possible over the fire area.

EVACUATIONS:

There are evacuation orders and warnings in the immediate vicinity of the fire. For current evacuation status, visit this link. Additional evacuation information and a map can be found on the Genasys site at this link.

CLOSURES:

An official forest closure around the Orleans Complex went into effect on July 16th. Hikers are not permitted and will be asked to leave the area. For details and a map of the closure area, please visit this link.

FIRE RESTRICTIONS:

Forest fire restrictions are currently in effect. Please visit the local forest pages for more information: Klamath National Forest and Six Rivers National Forest.