Northwest Interagency Coordination Center: 08/31/2023 Chilcoot and Ridge Fires Update

Thursday, August 31, 2023

08/31/2023 Chilcoot and Ridge Fires Update

CHILCOOT AND RIDGE FIRE UPDATE

Thursday, August 31, 2023

Chilcoot Fire: Size: – 1,374 acres Containment: 0%

Ridge Fire: Size – 239 acres Containment: 0%

Warm, dry air played a role in today’s suppression results. Temperatures averaged 81 degrees with 31% humidity over the Ridge Fire. Conditions over the Chilcoot Fire were slightly cooler, topping out in the low to mid 70’s with humidity in the low 40’s. The warmer weather brought more favorable burning conditions and increased fire activity in the midafternoon.

Chilcoot Fire - There was little movement in the northwest corner, however, there was increased fire activity in the larger downed timber. There was a line breach early this morning and crews are aggressively working to keep it as small as possible. The northeast edge was more active than yesterday but was held in check by air support. Aircraft flew continuously, supporting firefighters with water drops. A small firing operation on the north was successful and crews will take advantage of other opportunities to burn when and where it is safe to do so.

Ridge Fire – Firefighters continued building line and holding the fire along the 3810 road in the southwest corner. The fire held its current footprint and hasn’t grown in the past forty-eight hours. With the slight wind shift from northwest to north, the fire pushed back on itself on the northern edge. Additional crews assisted with work on containment lines in the Boulder Creek Wilderness.

Weather

There will be a slight chance of rain this morning as the low-pressure system moves inland, increasing to about 80% chance in the afternoon. Affected areas can expect to receive about one-fourth to one-third of an inch of rain. This storm will continue Friday with the possibility of remaining into late Saturday. There is a possibility this event could produce as much as one inch of rain. Temperatures will hover in the sixty-degree range for the next several days.

Evacuations

No current evacuations.

Closures

Closure Order (06-15-00-23-475) in the Umpqua NF has been established. The order is effective from Aug 28, 2023 – Dec 1, 2023. For full order go to can be found at Umpqua National Forest - Alerts & Notices (usda.gov)