Firefighters respond to 10 fires this week on Six Rivers National Forest
EUREKA, Calif., July 4, 2025 — This week firefighters on the Six Rivers National Forest have responded to 10 fires on the Forest, eight lightning and two under investigation, including a new fire reported last night. The largest is the Butler Fire, estimated to be approximately 2.5 acres today.
Thunderstorms over the area Monday and Tuesday produced abundant lightning and firefighters responded to eight lightning fires early this week. Seven fires were confirmed, all on the Gasquet Ranger District, with five fires close to each other northeast of Klamath near Red Mountain Road.
All seven fires are controlled and in patrol status with no visible smoke. The eighth fire reported Tuesday in the Marble Mountain Wilderness on the Orleans Ranger District was not located.
At 5 p.m. Wednesday firefighters responded to the Owl Mine Fire on the Orleans Ranger District off Owl Mine Road south of Orleans. The fire was quickly contained at 1 acre and is now controlled and in patrol status. Cause is under investigation. Air and ground resources were essential in fighting the fire, with assistance from CAL FIRE Humboldt-Del Norte Unit, Yurok Tribe and Orleans Volunteer Department.
The newest fire on the Forest is the Butler Fire, reported yesterday at 6:30 p.m. on the Orleans Ranger District. The fire is burning northeast of Orleans near Butler Mountain above Salmon River Road within the 2013 Butler Fire footprint. The fire is estimated to be approximately 2.5 acres and holding within the fire retardant line. Cause is under investigation.
The fire is burning in steep and rugged terrain in dense vegetation, with heavy fuel load on the ridgetop and is burning on both sides of the slope. Ground and air resources responded last night, with retardant drops made on the fire before sundown.
It is more than 2 miles from the nearest road, making ground access challenging. This morning firefighters were continuing to hike in to work on fire suppression and constructing fireline. Air resources are continuing to engage in firefighting efforts today. Additional resources are being ordered.
Approximately 12 structures are threatened in the Butler Flat community and property at Lewis Creek, located two miles downslope along Salmon River Road. Fire engines are in the area. There are currently no evacuations or road closures in place, but residents should remain aware and watch for increased firefighter traffic.
“Our firefighters and partners have done excellent work this week responding to reported fires and keeping them small, with the Butler Fire being the largest so far,” said Six Rivers National Forest Fire Management Officer Josh Eichamer. “The dedication and commitment for public and firefighter safety, even in difficult terrain is greatly appreciated.”
Thunderstorms across Northern California this week resulted in numerous fires on other national forests requiring shared firefighting resources. Combined with the Fourth of July holiday weekend, a popular time for summer vacations and outdoor recreation in the forest, fire prevention is critical.
“The Six Rivers National Forest has firefighting resources available to respond to wildfires, especially with the support and cooperation of partner firefighting agencies,” Eichamer said. “However, it is extremely important for the public to help us by preventing human-caused wildfires so our resources can continue to respond to holdover lightning fires.”
Outside of thunderstorms and lightning strikes, a majority of wildfires that develop on Six Rivers National Forest are human-caused fires.
The U.S. Forest Service reminds everyone this Fourth of July holiday weekend that all fireworks are prohibited on National Forest System lands, including the Six Rivers National Forest and developed recreation sites. This includes poppers, sparklers and other fireworks. Other explosives are also prohibited, including exploding targets like Tannerite.
The Forest is not currently under fire restrictions. Regardless, campfires should never be left unattended and should be dead out and cold to the touch before leaving.
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