A recent government meeting highlighted the rapid response and management of a significant wildfire that threatened the community of Copper. The fire, which began under red flag conditions, expanded rapidly due to strong north winds, initially covering 30 to 40 acres and quickly escalating to 1,500 acres within the first hour. This marked one of the most extensive fire growths in the area since 1994.

Fire officials reported that traditional direct attack tactics were ineffective due to long-range spotting and the fire's swift progression. Consequently, they shifted to indirect tactics and called in additional resources, including CAL FIRE's incident management teams, which can support large-scale operations. At the peak of the incident, over 1,000 personnel were deployed to combat the blaze.

As the fire threatened Old Town Copper and surrounding areas, officials prioritized establishing control lines and coordinating evacuations. They implemented firing operations to create controlled burns that would help manage the fire's spread, particularly along Pyle Road and O'Byrnes Ferry. These efforts were crucial in preventing the fire from exceeding a footprint of 5,351 acres during the initial burning period.

Despite the challenges, the collaborative efforts of local, state, and tribal resources were praised for their effectiveness in containing the fire and protecting the community. The incident underscores the importance of preparedness and rapid response in wildfire management, especially in areas prone to such natural disasters.