Firefighter Cuts Down Tree On Fire During California Wildfire Cleanup

A firefighter cut into the base of a large pine with a chainsaw as flames burned inside the trunk during cleanup operations at the Lucas Fire on September 16.

Wearing a yellow shirt and blue helmet, the firefighter brought down the burning tree, leaving a hollow stump still flaming amid ash and smoke.

CAL FIRE LNU said crews were mopping up inside the fire, pulling hose, carrying out suppression repair and removing burned trees that threatened control lines. At the time, the fire covered 4,128 acres and was 53 percent contained.

A later update on September 17 reported containment had reached 60 percent, with 1,627 personnel assigned to the fire.

The Lucas Fire began on September 10 near the Lake–Mendocino line by Potter Valley. Lightning caused the fire, which destroyed three structures, including the Hunter Point Repeater Site.

One reply to the footage said the tree should have been cooled before it was felled.