Single Publication

The Chilcoot Fire is currently 1,794 acres with 15% containment. The Ridge Fire is currently 239 acres with 80% containment.

There was not significant fire activity yesterday. At the virtual community meeting last night fire managers addressed operations and current conditions on the five fires in Branch I and Branch II of the Umpqua Fires. Firefighters and heavy equipment are working together across the complex terrain of each fire’s landscape. The humidity level will remain in the mid-30% range for several days and that may cause localized smoke due to an uptick in fire behavior.

Chilcoot Fire: The small holdover lightning fire was extinguished yesterday, and firefighters will continue to patrol that area. The primary task today will be to complete work along the east perimeter’s 300 Road. The crews along the south flank have completed the hose lays near the southeast corner’s dozer line. Firefighters continued mop up in depth along the long length of private land comprising the west flank. This depth increases the confidence of the fire managers in the effectiveness of the containment line. Along the north flank, mop up is progressing as planned, including 100 acres in the northeast corner that need an extended effort due to the rugged terrain. Several masticators on the 3809 Road are involved in fuels reduction, being utilized to grind, chip and break apart fuels such as brush, small trees and slash into small pieces.

Ridge Fire: Clear weather conditions aided firefighters yesterday. There was little to no smoke or smoldering, even during the primary burn window in the mid-afternoon. Firefighters are securing the northwest corner first given the advantage of easier terrain and more secure footing than the rocky northeast corner. After the ground dries more, they will concentrate their efforts on the northeast flank and perform repairs on the trail system along the boundary of the Boulder Creek Wilderness.

Weather: This weekend a strengthening high-pressure system over the region will raise temperatures by a few degrees and bring lower humidity. Temperatures today will be 75-82 degrees in the valleys, with winds 3-5 mph, gusting to 15 mph on ridgetops this afternoon. The higher temperatures will increase the volatility of the lighter fuels though heavier fuels, such as dead fallen trees and brush piles wider than three inches, retain the moisture from last week’s rainfall.

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 and Ridge Fire Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chilcootridgefires2023/

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