Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team assessing fire severity on Orleans Complex

YREKA, Calif. August 8, 2025 — After a wildfire, the Forest Service’s priority is emergency actions to reduce risks to life, property, and natural resources. The Klamath and Six Rivers National Forests have initiated a Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) assessment of the Butler Fire burned area. The Butler Fire was started by lightning on July 3, 2025, northeast of Orleans, California near Butler Mountain within the 2024 Boise Fire, the 2020 Salmon Fire, and the 2013 Butler Fire footprints. The wind-driven fire quickly grew despite the efforts of wildland firefighters.

The BAER team will begin surveys of the Butler Fire starting August 8th. BAER teams are staffed by specially trained professionals such as hydrologists, soil scientists, engineers, biologists, vegetation specialists, archeologists, recreation specialists, and others who rapidly evaluate and assess the post-fire conditions of the burned area, looking for risks such as potential flash flooding and debris flows. If unacceptable risks are found the team recommends appropriate emergency measures to reduce the risks to National Forest System lands and critical values. Emergency efforts are focused on the protection of human life and safety, property, and critical cultural and natural resources.

BAER teams analyze the data they collect during field surveys as well as aerial reconnaissance to produce a “Soil Burn Severity” map. This is the first step in assessing potential watershed impacts from wildfires to critical values that may be at-risk from potential increased flooding, sedimentation, and debris flows. They will produce a report that includes a description of the assessment and findings for the burned area’s post-fire conditions along with recommended emergency stabilization measures and other actions on national forest lands. Another key role of BAER Teams is the sharing of data and products with local cooperating agencies that may be affected by post fire flood events.

Public Safety Advisory:  Fire crews continue to patrol the Butler Fire area perimeter watching for flare-ups from previously undiscovered heat sources. A public safety closure order is still in effect, although the current closure order may be adjusted in the coming days. Everyone near and downstream from the burned area should remain alert and stay updated on weather conditions that may result in heavy rains and increased water runoff. Flash flooding may occur quickly during heavy rain events so be prepared to act. Current weather and emergency notifications can be found at the National Weather Servicewebsite.

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Klamath National Forest and Butte Valley National Grassland Press Release