Orleans Complex

## Orleans Complex Fire Report - July 28, 2025 ### Fire Start, Size and Growth **Start Date/Time/Location**: The Orleans Complex Fire began on July 2-3, 2025, near Orleans, California, within the Six Rivers National Forest. The complex is comprised of multiple fires, including the Butler Fire and the Red Fire. **Size and Containment**: As of July 28, 2025, the Orleans Complex has burned approximately 21,070 acres and is 38% contained. Earlier reports indicated different acreage and containment figures, with one report on July 24 stating 18,855 acres and 10% containment, and another on July 28 stating 21,146 acres and 47% containment. The Butler Fire, a significant part of the complex, has seen varying containment levels, with reports ranging from 0% to 6% in the last week, while the Red Fire has shown higher containment, with one report stating 35% and another 80%. **Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread**: The fire is burning in grass and timber. The Butler Fire has exhibited active fire behavior, including spotting across containment lines and moderate growth, particularly in drainages. The fire has been influenced by terrain, with uphill runs observed on steep slopes. Firefighters have been conducting firing operations to manage fire intensity and strengthen containment lines. **Containment Efforts**: Unified command is in place, involving the California Interagency Incident Management Team 4, the Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office, and the Office of Emergency Management. Firefighting efforts include scouting control lines, reinforcing existing lines, structure protection, and utilizing air resources. The cost to date for the Orleans Complex is estimated at $17.9 million. ### Emergency Information **Evacuations and Sheltering:** **Mandatory Evacuation Orders**: Evacuation orders are in place for several zones, including FRK-1709, SIS-1703, SIS-1704-B, SIS-1707-A, SIS-1707-B, SIS-1708, SIS-1710, SIS-1802, SIS-1803-A, SIS-1804, SIS-1805, SIS-1808, and SIS-1903. These zones represent an immediate threat to life, and the areas are lawfully closed to public access. **Evacuation Warnings**: Evacuation warnings have been issued for zones including SAW-1713, SIS-1704-A, SIS-1705, SIS-1712, SIS-1803-B, SIS-1811, SIS-1906, SIS-1907, and SIS-1703. These warnings indicate a potential threat to life and/or property, and residents are advised to be prepared to leave. **Evacuation Shelters and Information**: Residents can check their evacuation zone status and find assistance by visiting www.facebook.com/SiskiyouCountySheriff and www.facebook.com/SiskiyouCountyOES, or by calling (530) 340-3539. The Protect Genasys map is also available for checking evacuation orders and warnings. **Road and Infrastructure Closures:** - Salmon River Road between Butler Flat and Nordheimer Campground is closed due to falling rocks and burning debris. - The Six Rivers and Klamath National Forests have issued a joint closure order affecting Nordheimer and Oak Bottom campgrounds. - Hikers are not permitted in the closure area around the Orleans Complex. - Residents are advised to avoid non-essential travel to support firefighting operations and ensure safety. **For more information, visit:** - [Cal Fire Orleans Complex Fire updates]: https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2025/7/9/orleans-complex/ - [Siskiyou County Emergency Services]: https://www.facebook.com/SiskiyouCountyOES - [U.S. Forest Service Fire Information]: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/srnf/fire-weather/?cid=FSEPRD1130059 ### Current Impact **Impacts:** **Injuries and Fatalities**: Three firefighters have been injured, with three hospitalized after being struck by a falling tree on July 18, 2025. Another report mentions two firefighters injured. **Structures Impacted**: One structure has been reported destroyed. **Community Impact**: The fire has caused significant disruption, with evacuation orders and warnings affecting local residents. The fire's jump across the Salmon River has increased the threat to nearby communities. Smoke from the fire is impacting the region. **Power and Utilities**: No specific reports of power outages or infrastructure damage beyond the one structure destroyed have been detailed. **Safety Concerns:** **Burn Bans and Fire Restrictions**: Forest fire restrictions are currently in effect. **Air Quality**: Moderate-to-light density smoke from the Orleans Complex fire is spreading to the northeast, impacting air quality in the region. ### Ongoing Outlook **Containment Projections**: Firefighting efforts are progressing, with containment at 38% as of July 28, 2025. Firefighters anticipate continued work to contain the fire, with ongoing challenges due to weather conditions. **Weather and Wind Warnings**: A slight warming trend is expected, with temperatures climbing into the low to mid-90s. Relative humidities are predicted to be very low, in the teens, increasing the probability of new fire starts. Winds are expected to be similar to previous days, with upslope winds of 3-5 mph and up-valley winds of 5-10 mph out of the northwest, potentially gusting up to 18 mph. Predicted storms could bring lightning and erratic winds, potentially increasing fire behavior. ### Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate **Cause**: The cause of the Orleans Complex Fire is currently under investigation. Some reports suggest the fire may have originated from a lightning storm. **Weather and Climate**: The fire is being fueled by extreme fire weather conditions, including high temperatures, low humidity, and gusty winds, which are typical for California's summer fire season. The recent dry conditions and predicted thunderstorms with lightning and erratic winds are contributing to the fire's spread and the risk of new ignitions. ### For more information, visit: - [Cal Fire Orleans Complex Fire updates]: https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2025/7/9/orleans-complex/ - [Siskiyou County Emergency Services]: https://www.facebook.com/SiskiyouCountyOES - [U.S. Forest Service Fire Information]: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/srnf/fire-weather/?cid=FSEPRD1130059

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