Orleans Complex Fire
The Orleans Complex Fire is a wildfire burning near Orleans, California, in Six Rivers National Forest that began on July 3, 2025. The complex fire is made up of the Butler Fire and the Red Fire that both began in early July.[1] As of August 11, the fire had so far burned 22,117 acres (8,950 ha) and was 81% contained.[2] BackgroundA Red flag warning, issued by the National Weather Service, was impactful in the early days of the Orleans Complex Fire—indicating a volatile mix of hot temperatures, low relative humidity, and gusty outflow winds—conditions primed for extreme fire behavior.[3] The Orleans Complex—comprising the Butler Fire and the Red Fire—both began in early July and quickly coalesced. The smoke plume was visible regionally by mid-July as they burned through mixed timber and brush fuels with lower moisture levels, thanks to lingering regional drought conditions.[citation needed] Lightning was confirmed as the ignition source for the Complex, consistent with the lightning ignition patterns seen across Northern California that month.[citation needed] Over its first week, the fire expanded steadily—surpassing 15,700 acres burned with negligible containment—prompting widespread evacuation orders, road closures, and community alerts.[4][5] EventsJulyThe Orleans Complex Fire was first reported on July 3, 2025, at around 6:00 pm PST.[2] On July 19, 3 firefighters were hospitalized after a tree fell on them while battling the Butler Fire.[6][7] CauseThe cause of the fire is confirmed to be lightning. [8] ImpactClosures and evacuationsOn July 7, after the Butler Fire ignited in Six Rivers National Forest, the first evacuation orders were issued.[9] Six Rivers National Forest and Klamath National Forests issued a joint closure order that affects the Nordheimer and Oak Bottom campgrounds.[10] On July 15, the evacuation zone was expanded to include the entire community of Forks of Salmon.[9] See alsoReferences
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