Single Publication

Northwest Team 6 is managing five fires in the area. In addition to the two fires listed in this update NW Team 6 is managing the Brice, Dinner, and Grizzly Fires further north on the Umpqua National Forest. A reconnaissance flight was done over all the fires yesterday to gain intel on where fire activity may have increased. There were some more active spots found, but overall fires have not grown significantly.

Chilcoot Fire: Size: 1,769 acres | Start Date: August 24, 2023 | Cause: Lightning | Containment: 60%

Yesterday, the fire put up a small smoke column on the southern flank due to dry conditions. Helicopters were able to assist ground crews and drop water over this hot spot throughout the day. In the north, crews identified a hot spot and were able to use hose lays and crews to bring water to it. Today, crews will continue extinguishing hot spots within 100 feet of the fire perimeter and work in coordination with aviation.

Ridge Fire: Size:  219 acres | Start Date: August 25, 2023 | Cause: Lightning | Containment: 95%

The Ridge Fire is now in patrol status with control lines completed around the fire, and minimal heat close to the lines. Yesterday, an Unstaffed Aerial System (UAS)/ Drone was flown over the fire using an infrared camera and no heat has been detected within 200 feet of the control lines. Two engines will remain ready to engage if fire activity increases. Fire personnel are confident in their control lines and that the fire will not spread outside of these lines.

Weather: Today will be slightly cooler than yesterday with highs in the 80s, but still warm and dry. Winds will remain light shifting from east in the morning to northwest in the afternoon. Ridgetops could experience gusts up to 18 mph in the afternoon. There will be haze from other regional fires today.

Smoke: Smoke outlooks are available at https://outlooks.wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlook/467b8c16?

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 these fires.

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chilcootridgefires2023
Fire Information: (541) 900-5862, 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM 
Email: 2023.chilcoot@firenet.gov