Orleans Complex Hit by Tree 2025

On July 18, 2025 a Region 5 IHC was working on the Butler Fire as part of the Orleans Complex. The crew was engaged in direct attack working up hill, adjacent to the black. As the crew boss was working their way up the line with supplies, he “bumped by” a crew member and started to see a tree in the black falling towards the crew. As he yelled “tree!” several fire fighters rushed out of the way, however the tree directly struck a crew member. Two other crew members were struck by other branches from the falling tree. Initially 2 Reds and 1 Yellow were reported to ICP from the IWI. Adjacent resources began to immediately work through the IWI process and provide for extraction and care. One of the Reds was downgraded to a Yellow and the decision to transport that Yellow and the confirmed Red to Redding was made as part of medical plan. The remaining yellow was seen at ICP for injuries and concurrently released.