Single Publication

The Chilcoot Fire is currently 1,769 acres with 40% containment. The Ridge Fire is currently 219 acres with 95% containment.

Northwest Team 12 will transfer command of the Umpqua Fires to Northwest Team 6 at 8 PM tonight – this includes the three Branch I fires near Cottage Grove and the Chilcoot and Ridge Fires on Branch II.

Chilcoot Fire: Yesterday’s reconnaissance flight on the southwest corner showed little heat and fire activity. Firefighters completed extensive handline construction near the Hipower Bluffs and fire managers consider that area  contained. The excavator completed its repair work as well, while grading continues along the 3806 Road. The Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) previously assigned to the Branch I fires has been transferred to the Chilcoot fire. Today the UAS crew will begin aerial overflights of the north flank to ensure hot spots are extinguished and to assist in planning repair actions.

Ridge Fire: The wildland fire module (WFM) remains engaged on the Ridge Fire today. This 9-member WFM provides an innovative, highly mobile, versatile, and logistically independent team. Work will continue today on hazard tree mitigation along roads and transportation corridors. Due to the slightly increased smoldering across the forest floor, there are two engines working the fire today.

Weather: Yesterday a low-pressure system moved into Washington and British Columbia. The weather front caused thin stratus clouds and onshore wind flows that will continue through today. Valley temperatures today will range from 70-76, with those on the ridges 66-72. Winds in the afternoon will gust up to 15 mph. This week there will be increasing temperatures and lower relative humidity as we enter a warming and drying trend.

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