Butler Fire burning on Six Rivers National Forest

EUREKA, Calif. — The Butler Fire currently burning on the Six Rivers National Forest Orleans Ukonom Ranger District is approximately 97 acres this morning.

The fire is burning northeast of Orleans near Butler Mountain above Salmon River Road within the 2013 Butler Fire footprint. The cause is confirmed to be lightning from one of the storms that passed over the area earlier in the week. The fire was reported Thursday evening.

Smoke from the fire is visible from California State Highway 96 and the community of Orleans. It settled overnight but is expected to be highly visible today as temperatures warm and fire activity increases.

The fire is burning in steep and rugged terrain with heavy brush and snag fuel load on the ridgetop and backing down slope. Late yesterday it was reported the fire was actively backing down the Lewis Creek side of the ridge with growth to the east and west. It is nearly 2.5 miles from the nearest road and the location was too dangerous for smokejumpers or rappelers to access.

Firefighters spent yesterday cutting a trail to the fire through fallen trees and thick brush and were able to access the fire on the ground late yesterday. They were supported with air resources monitoring the fire and helicopters making water drops to slow fire spread and cool hotspots.

Today, all ground resources will be assessing values at risk along the Salmon River Road and continuing to conduct structure assessment and community protection. Approximately 12 structures are threatened in the Butler Flat community and property at Lewis Creek, located two miles downslope along Salmon River Road. Aerial resources, including helicopters, will be flying over the fire to support ongoing suppression operations with water drops.

There are currently no evacuations or road closures in place, but residents should remain aware and watch for increased firefighter traffic.

“The Butler Fire is burning in an area where numerous factors pose a high risk to firefighter safety, including heavy fuels and snags on steep terrain, with no landing or evacuation zones near the fire,” said Six Rivers National Forest Fire Management Officer Josh Eichamer. “The growth yesterday was in large part due to the access issues and today we are hoping for safe, tactical engagement to work on suppressing the fire.”

The North Coast Type 3 Incident Management Team, led by Incident Commander Bryan Lanning and Deputy Incident Commander Rod Mendes, is expected to assume command of the incident tonight.

While there are currently no fire weather watches in the area, the forecast is calling for temperatures to increase over the next few days, with the high in Orleans expected to be in the upper 80s today and then in the high 90s tomorrow and Monday. The increase in temperatures and drying fuels are expected to increase fire behavior and potential for fire growth in the coming days.

“We are nearing the end of the national wildland firefighter Week of Remembrance and, for the Six Rivers National Forest, next week holds significance with anniversaries for our own firefighters who died in the line of duty,” Eichamer said. “It is a reminder that ensuring every firefighter makes it home safely to their family and friends at the end of their shift is critical and that we need to be strategic with our suppression tactics to accomplish that.”

Firefighting resources are responding to incidents throughout Northern California, mostly due to lightning fires from this week’s storms. The public can help firefighters by preventing human caused wildfires as the holiday weekend continues.

Abandoned campfires are always a problem during and after holiday weekends. Never leave campfires unattended and make sure they are dead out and cool to the touch before leaving.

Make sure trailer chains are properly secured and not dragging on the ground before leaving. Ensure tires are properly inflated and in good condition before leaving. Metal from dragging tailer chains or exposed tire rims hitting the road can throw sparks and start fires.

###

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.