Single Publication

The Chilcoot Fire is currently 1,794 acres with 20% containment. The Ridge Fire is currently 239 acres with 90% containment.

Mop up continues effectively across the perimeters of both fires. Containment has increased as firefighters grid and cold trail (controlling a partly cold fire edge by carefully inspecting and feeling with the hand for heat to detect any fire, digging out every hot spot, and trenching any hot edges). Warmer weather and increased winds are expected to slightly increase smoke in the smoldering embers.

Chilcoot Fire: Yesterday’s primary focus was on securing line all around the perimeter, beginning with firefighters gridding (a fire crew walking in an evenly-spaced line across the burned area to identify and extinguish any remaining heat sources) near the 400 Road. Mop up and brushing along the east flank’s 300 Road is nearly complete. The island of unburned fuel remains under observation but is quiet. Mastication along the 3809 Road has been completed. Helicopters were ready for reconnaissance and bucket drops if needed, although with minimal fire behavior, no flights were necessary yesterday. The planned burning operation has been delayed for a few days until better field conditions - available fuels, prepared line and suitable weather - coincide to make a burn more effective.

Ridge Fire: Last night’s infrared flight found some heat on the north flank that firefighters will grid until all remaining heat sources are extinguished. Crews are repairing fire suppression damage that impacted the trail system in the Boulder Creek Wilderness. Mop up continues on the north flank to create increased depth into the fireline.

Weather: There was poor fuels recovery overnight due to the drier air. After the current weather front dissipates today, a high-pressure area will develop and remain through tomorrow, with highs in low 80s in the valleys and upper 60s on the ridges. This shifting weather will bring increased winds throughout the weekend, though without any chance of precipitation.

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 that is being evaluated for downsizing.

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