Fire History and Resources
Update on cause of the Ruth Fire
According to a news release from the U.S. Forest Service, dated Nov. 8, 2011:
The Ruth Fire Investigation is continuing. Mad River District Ranger Tom Hudson was quoted as saying, “The Forest Service criminal investigator’s efforts have determined the fire was human-caused, but at this time appears it was not arson. The investigative report will be submitted to Forest Service Law Enforcement management in the next few weeks.”
The Ruth Fire began on September 23, 2011 around noon, near the town of Ruth. It burned northeasterly to the South Fork Mountain ridge and onto the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. The fire burned just under 1,500 acres as well as 4 residences and 25 outbuildings.
For additional information about the investigation, please contact Special Agent Ryan Harvey at (530) 226-2783 or
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See older Ruth Fire Posts on the Fire History and Resources Page.
Ruth Fire now 100% contained
According to information received by KMUD News:
As of today, September 29, 2011 at 7 am, the Ruth Fire was 100% contained. The fire which started Sept. 23 burned a total of 1,460 acres.
Current Fire Situation:
The Ruth Fire is burning on the Six Rivers and Shasta-Trinity National Forests near the community of Ruth. The fire will be turned back to the Mad River Ranger District on Friday morning, September 30, 2011. Firefighters have been successful at stopping any further spread of the fire, and have contained all spot fires. Today crews will work to remove any public safety hazards such as fire weakened trees, while continuing to mop up and protect the structures and private property within the community of Ruth. Full perimeter control efforts are progressing safely and successfully.
Closures/Road Delays:
Although the evacuation order has been lifted; fire officials are strongly urging residents to exercise extreme caution as they return to their homes or property. There are still hazards out there such as fire weakened trees, and hot spots with the potential to cause serious burns or injuries. Residents are also being asked to please drive slow and use extreme caution as there will still be fire crews and fire equipment working in the area. There is still an emergency forest closure in effect for the South Fork Mountain area near the fire.
Fire Information is available by calling (707) 574-6844 or by logging on to www.inciweb.org and clicking on the Ruth Incident.
Ruth fire now 95% contained
According to information received by KMUD News dated 9/28/11:
There will be a community meeting, Thursday, September 29 at 3:00 p.m. at the Volunteer Fire Department in Ruth. The Ruth Fire Information phone number is (707) 574-6443.
Current Fire Situation:
The Ruth Fire is burning on the Six Rivers and Shasta-Trinity National Forests near the community of Ruth. The fire is currently estimated at 1,453 acres is 95% contained and burning at a low to minimal rate of spread. The fire has spread over South Fork Mountain ridgeline and is being mopped up by firefighters.
Today crews worked to remove any public safety hazards such as fire weakened trees, while continuing to mop up and protect the structures and private property within the community of Ruth. Full perimeter control efforts are progressing safely and successfully.
Closures/Road Delays:
Although the evacuation order has been lifted; fire officials are strongly urging residents to exercise extreme caution as they return to their homes or property. There are still hazards out there such as fire weakened trees, and hot spots with the potential to cause serious burns or injuries. Residents are also being asked to please drive slow and use extreme caution as there will still be fire crews and fire equipment working in the area. There is still an emergency forest closure in effect for the South Fork Mountain area near the fire.
Fire Information is available by calling (707) 574-6443, emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by logging on to www.inciweb.org and clicking on the Ruth Incident.
Ruth Fire now 80% contained
According to information received by KMUD News on 9/27/11:
The Ruth Fire burning on the Six Rivers and Shasta-Trinity National Forests, near the community of Ruth, is now 80% contained.
The fire is currently estimated at 1,515 acres and is burning at a low to minimal rate of spread. The fire has spread over South Fork Mountain ridgeline and is being suppressed by firefighters. Today crews will be working to remove any public safety hazards such as fire weakened trees, while continuing to mop up and protect the structures and private property within the community of Ruth. Full perimeter control efforts are progressing safely and successfully. Involved in fighting the fire are a total of 717 personnel and 4 helicopters
Closures/Road Delays:
Although the evacuation order for the community of Ruth was lifted Monday, September 26 at 9:00 a.m., fire officials are strongly urging residents to exercise extreme caution as they return to their homes or property. There are still hazards out there such as fire weakened trees, and hot spots with the potential to cause serious burns or injuries. Residents are also being asked to please drive slow and use extreme caution as there will still be fire crews and fire equipment working in the area. There is still an emergency forest closure in effect for the South Fork Mountain area near the fire.
There is now a new information phone number (707) 574-6443.
Ruth Fire updated- evacuation order lifted
According to information from "InciWeb", the Inter-agency system that tracks fire-related incidents, as of 9/26/11 at 9 am:
Current incident information indicates that the Ruth Fire, burning on the Six Rivers and Shasta-Trinity National Forests near the community of Ruth, is currently estimated at 1,515 acres and is burning at a low to minimal rate of spread due to the recent measurable rain. The fire has spread over South Fork Mountain ridgeline and is being suppressed by firefighters. Crews have been working to remove any public safety hazards such as fire weakened trees while continuing to mop up and protect the structures and private property within the community of Ruth. Full perimeter contour efforts are progressing safely and successfully.
Additional information indicates:
- Total Personnel 883
- Percent Contained - 65%
- Estimated Containment Date - Wednesday September 28th, 2011 approx. 12:00 AM
- Closures/Road Delays: The evacuation order for the community of Ruth was lifted today, Monday, September 26 as of 9:00 a.m.
- Power has been restored and mail delivery will resume in the area. The Red Cross Shelter has closed.
Although the evacuation order has been lifted; fire officials are strongly urging residents to exercise extreme caution as they return to their homes or property. There are still hazards out there such as fire weakened trees, and hot spots with the potential to cause serious burns or injuries. Residents are also being asked to please drive slow and use extreme caution as there will still be fire crews and fire equipment working in the area. There is still an emergency forest closure in effect for the South Fork Mountain area near the fire.
Fire Information is available by calling (916) 718-8648 or emailing
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The map below shows the location of the fire:
