Lightning-Sparked Wildfires Burn Across Shasta-Trinity National Forest

A series of lightning strikes between June 30 and July 2, 2025, ignited multiple wildfires across the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, prompting a swift and coordinated response from local, state, and federal fire agencies.

More than 3,100 lightning strikes were recorded across the region, sparking fires in timber, brush, and grass-covered areas, with crews battling blazes from both the air and ground.

Here is an update on the current major fires as of July 6th:

Helena Fire (Trinity County)

• Start Date: July 2
• Size: 116 acres
• Containment: 30%
• Firefighters have made steady progress, keeping the blaze within control lines. Helicopter bucket drops and mop-up operations are ongoing. Fire activity has been most intense in the afternoons, and suppression work continues on all sides of the perimeter. CAL FIRE and BLM have provided vital support.

Horse Fire (West of Lakehead, Shasta County)

• Start Date: July 2
• Size: 385 acres
• Containment: 60%
• Burning near Schell Mountain in the footprint of the 2018 Carr Fire, the Horse Fire is now more than halfway contained. Crews are mopping up and mitigating hazard trees, with objectives focused on preventing the fire from spreading to nearby ridges and creeks.

Green Fire (Shasta County)

• Start Date: July 1
• Size: 545 acres
• Containment: 0%
• With no containment yet, the Green Fire is being attacked by two Type 1 helicopters and one Type 2 helicopter. Firefighters are widening roads for access and working to protect sensitive research and cultural sites. California Interagency Incident Management Team 10 will assume command July 7.

Officials urge the public to avoid fire areas for everyone’s safety. More updates are expected as firefighting efforts continue.