Single Publication

Chilcoot and Ridge Fires Daily Update
NW IMT12 Branch II
September 5, 2023

Total personnel: 757 | Total Resources: 24 engines; 22 crews; 5 helicopters; 12 heavy equipment; 13 water tenders

Northwest Incident Management Team 12 assumed command of the Chilcoot and Ridge Fires this morning and will now be managing the Brice Creek, Dinner, and Grizzly Fires as Branch I and the Chilcoot and Ridge Fires as Branch II. The team will continue to implement their strategic approach to managing these full-suppression fires with current operational staff, equipment, and aircraft.

There will be a Virtual Community Meeting for the Chilcoot and Ridge Fires on Thursday, September 7th at 7:30 pm on the Chilcoot and Ridge Fires 2023 Facebook page.

Yesterday, firefighters found opportunities to go direct on both fires while also working diligently on handlines and dozer lines. Weekend precipitation resulted in some operations scaling back due to safety concerns and impeded access for firefighting equipment.

Chilcoot Fire: Size: 1,762 acres | Start Date: August 24, 2023 | Cause: Lightning | Containment: 4%

Days of hard work by firefighters contributed to some containment along the fire’s west flank adjacent to private timber lands. Mop up on the northwest corner was hampered by the side effects of this weekend’s rain. Firefighters are going direct while also deploying water pumps and hoses on the northeast corner near the 3809 Road to assist with mop up operations. Dozers are supporting that work while also tying into handline along the south flank. Chipping and mastication have begun across the fire’s entire perimeter except along sections of the north flank.

Ridge Fire: Size: 238 acres | Start Date: August 25, 2023 | Cause: Lightning | Containment: 72%

Increases in containment have been made possible by the continued minimal fire behavior. The entire fire perimeter remains in a smoldering and creeping state. Resources are being gradually transferred to the Chilcoot fire while remaining firefighters mop up and patrol the fire’s perimeter.

Safety and Closures: There is a forest closure for portions of the Umpqua National Forest in response to fire activity in the area to protect public and wildland firefighter safety. A Closure Order for the Canton Creek area has been issued by Bureau of Land Management (BLM): Chilcoot Ridge Fire Emergency Closure Order BLM Roseburg District. There is a Temporary Flight Restriction over the fire area.

Chilcoot Fire InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orupf-2023-chilcoot-fire-unf

Ridge Fire InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orupf-2023-ridge-fire-unf

Chilcoot and Ridge Fires Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61550481586772

Fire Information: (541) 900-5862, 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM   Email: 2023.chilcoot@firenet.gov