3 firefighters injured as Butler Fire grows to over 5 800 ha (14 000 acres), California
Three firefighters were injured by a falling tree while battling the Butler Fire on July 18, 2025. The fire is part of the Orleans Complex, which has now grown to over 5 802 ha (14 342 acres) and stands at 2% containment on July 19.
Orleans Complex Wildfire burns in Northern California. Credit: U.S. Forest Service
Three firefighters were hospitalized after being struck by a falling tree on July 18 while battling the Butler Fire, which ignited on July 9.
U.S. Forest Service officials stated that the tree struck three of their firefighters at approximately 14:15 local time (LT). All three were taken to Redding for medical treatment.
The Forest Service did not disclose the extent of their injuries, only stating that the incident is under investigation.
The injured firefighters were among nearly 1 400 fire personnel assigned to the Butler Fire, part of the Orleans Complex burning in the Six Rivers National Forest in Siskiyou County.
The Orleans Complex, consisting of the Butler Fire and the Red Fire, has grown to 5 802 ha (14 342 acres) as of 06:56 LT on July 19, according to Cal Fire.
As per the latest update the Butler Fire stood at 14 226 acres and 2% containment while the Red Fire remained at 47 ha (116 acres) and 80 % containment on the morning of July 19.
Orleans Complex Wildfire burns in Northern California. Credit: U.S. Forest Service- Orleans Complex Wildfire burns in Northern California. Credit: U.S. Forest Service
I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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