Fire Terms

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




Additional information

• InciWeb Chilcoot Fire: Orupf 2023 Chilcoot Fire Unf Information | InciWeb (wildfire.gov)

• InciWeb Ridge Fire: Orupf 2023 Ridge Fire Unf Information | InciWeb (wildfire.gov)

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550481586772

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/UmpquaNF

08/31/2023 Brice Creek, Dinner, and Grizzly Fires Daily Update

Brice Creek, Dinner, and Grizzly Fires

August 31, 2023

Daily Fire Update


Logos for Incident Management Team Oregon Department of Forestry U.S. Forest Service

Community Meeting

There will be a virtual community meeting with information on the Brice Creek, Dinner, and Grizzly Fires on Friday, September 1st at 7:30 PM. This meeting will be streamed via Facebook Live on the Brice Creek, Dinner, and Grizzly Fire Facebook page. Questions should be submitted via our Facebook page or 2023.dinner@firenet.gov ahead of time to ensure incident management personnel will be able to answer them during the meeting timeframe.


Brice Creek, Dinner, and Grizzly Fires

Total personnel: 425 | Total Resources: 4 engines; 19 crews; 2 helicopters; 3 heavy equipment; 2 water tenders


Lightning passed through Oregon the night of August 24 sparking multiple wildfires across the state, including the Cottage Grove Ranger District on the Umpqua National Forest. Northwest Incident Management Team 12 took command of three of these fires including Brice Creek, Dinner, and Grizzly Fires last night. These fires are being managed under a full suppression strategy to mitigate adverse impacts to the Bohemian Mining District, Fairview communication site, private and industrial timbered lands, infrastructure, and sensitive habitat.


Brice Creek Fire: Size: 497 acres | Start Date: August 24, 2023 | Cause: Lightning | Containment: 0%

Hotshot crews used tactical firing operations to secure the western fire perimeter along FS 2216 Road yesterday. Firefighters responded quickly to a spot fire outside of the main fire yesterday, quickly extinguishing the spot fire utilizing water drops from a Type 1 heavy helicopter. Today fire crews will secure the perimeter along the FS 2216 Road using tactical firing operations and will prepare roads to be used as containment lines.


Dinner Fire: Size: 329 acres | Start Date: August 24, 2023 | Cause: Lightning | Containment: 0%

Yesterday evening firefighters made progress with tactical firing operations along a road to secure the southeast perimeter of the fire and established fireline along the southern fire flank. Today crews will be holding and securing the burn operation from yesterday and are continuing to construct indirect fireline.


Grizzly Fire: Size: 92 acres | Start Date: August 24, 2023 | Cause: Lightning | Containment: 0%

Firefighters are prioritizing structure protection to the southwest in the Bohemia Saddle, Champion Saddle, and Crystal Lake areas. Crews will be scouting for opportunities to construct fireline and are working along FS 2212 Road reducing fuels to improve contingency lines.


Weather: Cooler temperatures, higher humidity, and light precipitation today will help to moderate fire behavior. Rain in the forecast over the next few days will help to quiet fire activity where it can penetrate the forested tree canopy. Winds will be light and variable with southeast winds along the ridgetops.


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. There is a Temporary Flight Restriction over the fire area.


Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bricecreekdinnergrizzlyfires2023/

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

08/31/2023 Smith River North Update

 

Update - August 31, 2023
Incident Information
Public Information:
Media Inquiries: 707.383.9727
Smith River Complex North Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smithrivercomplexnorth
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Smith River Complex North
Smith River Complex North Public Information Map
Click the map to view a larger version.
Smith River Complex North Morning Update

Start date: Aug 15, 2023
Location: Wild Rivers Ranger District
Cause: Lightning
Acres: 79,053
Containment: 7 percent
Personnel: 3,053 for Complex

GRANTS PASS, Ore. – Firefighters continue to make steady progress establishing fire lines to protect the communities of the Illinois Valley and halt the spread of the Smith River Complex North.

“We are working aggressively to fully suppress this fire,” said Scott Blower, Wild River District Ranger for the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest.

With aviation support and favorable winds, tactical firing operations are occurring during both day and night shift. Tactical firing is strategic ignition by a team of fire experts under controlled conditions to bring the fire perimeter to a predetermined containment feature. It stops the forward progression of a wildfire while consuming ground litter and dried vegetation. Shrubs and trees are generally left intact.

Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) task forces continue to expand defensible space around threatened structures, protecting them from any firebrands or embers. Firebrands are small pieces of burning vegetation such as small branches or leaves that can be carried across a fire line by the wind. After dark, OSFM crews are conducting perimeter patrols, watching for spot fires and assisting wildland resources as needed. 

Winds out of the northeast have been pushing the fire back on itself the past several days but are expected to shift again this weekend and come from the southwest. Cooler weather and measurable rain are also predicted this weekend, which may reduce fire activity, but will not be sufficient to extinguish the fire.

A Level 3 – GO NOW evacuation remains in place for the Hwy 199 area south of O’Brien from milepost 38 to the state line.

A Level 2 – GET SET evacuation is in place for O’Brien and the Takilma area.

A Level 1 – GET READY evacuation is in place north to Cave Junction. An American Red Cross evacuation shelter is located at Rogue Community College in Grants Pass. Livestock can be sheltered at the Josephine County Fairgrounds.

Due to fire activity, the public is encouraged to monitor the Rogue Valley Emergency Management site at the link below for evacuation updates. An interactive Fire First Response Map showing evacuation areas can also be found there.

Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest has implemented an area and road closure order for the Smith River Complex. Visit the forest website for additional information at the link below. The Bureau of Land Management Coos Bay District announced an emergency closure of public lands near the Oregon/California border. For additional information see https://www.blm.gov/orwafire.


08/29/2023 Gifford Pinchot National Forest Fire Update

 

Gifford Pinchot National Forest

Contact: Gala Miller, Public Affairs Officer
(360) 891 5014

Gifford Pinchot National Forest Fire Update
8/29/2023– 8 pm

A number of fires burning on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest are now being called the Cowlitz Complex. The Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 2 will take command of the complex of fires at 6am on Wednesday, Aug. 30 at 6 am and will be based out of Randle, WA. A community meeting is being planned for next week. 

A strong cold front is passing through the region today bringing with it increasing moisture and rainfall. This will help reduce fire activity. However, gusty winds are expected with the passing front, which may increase fire activity. 

Fire suppression resources are being committed only where they have high probability of success and can operate safely and effectively. Firefighters continue to engage with fire suppression efforts on numerous fires around the forest making headway on containment on several of the new fires. Resources assigned to these fires now exceed 250 personnel with additional support anticipated in the coming days.

New infrared mapping of the fires burning near Snagtooth Mountain show two larger fires currently burning near each other. These are the Snagtooth Fire now estimated to be 287 acres in size, and the Spencer Quartz Fire believed to be 162 acres in size. 

In anticipation of ongoing fire activity in the vicinity of the Snagtooth Fire the following roads and trails will be closed to the public to reduce exposure and help ensure public safety: Forest Roads 9300 and 9341 (currently off limits), Boundary Trail #1(from Elk Pass to intersection with Summit Prairie), Summit Prairie #2, Craggy Peak #3, Snagtooth #4, Quartz #5, Stabler Camp #17, Wright Meadows #80, Basin Camp #3A, Quartz #5B, Quartz #5C (French Creek), Snyder Pasture #80A.

Forest users are reminded to plan and prepare for any potential impacts from smoke or delays/closures related to fire or suppression activities. Campfires are banned across the forest due to fire danger. Gas stoves and propane fire pits are currently allowed on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, as they can immediately be turned off and are not left to smolder.
 
Fire Information Phone Line: (360) 497-1111

Forest Web Site: Fire Information and Map

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08/29/2023 Rogue River Siskiyou NF Fires Update

 

Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest


Contact: Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest Public Information
Phone: 541.646.9177


Progress Continues on Rogue River-Siskiyou fires

📸 Fire behavior from the Barklow fire earlier this week - steep, rugged terrain has been a challenge for firefighters.

8.29.23 News Release

Medford, Ore – A shift in weather led to clearer skies over the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest which allowed aircraft to fully engage in suppression efforts on fires across the forest. Crews on the ground are engaged in mop up efforts on all remaining incidents.
 
The Grayback Fire is burning several miles southwest of the community of Williams and is estimated at 40 acres. There is line around 100% of the fire and hose lays are being utilized around the perimeter. Lines held through the night and improved air quality allowed for air resources to reengage on the fire today. Mop up is ongoing on this incident.
 
The Barklow fire, burning northeast of Gold Beach on the Powers Ranger District, is estimated at nine acres and currently has hose lay and handline around the perimeter. Lines held overnight and mop up continues.
 
The Winchuck Fire is 0.7 acres and has been 100% lined. Lines have held and crews continue hazard tree removal to secure the perimeter. Mop up is nearly complete on this fire.
 
There has been no growth on the Cedar Fire at 10.7 acres. There is line around 100% of the fire. Mop up is ongoing.
 
For current activity on the Smith River Complex North, visit: https://www.facebook.com/smithrivercomplexnorth
 
For updates for the Anvil and Flat Fires, follow the Flat Fire Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/flatfireoregon2023
 
A list of recent fire activity and current status follows:
 
Date/Time     Name             Status            Acres  Cause
🔥 08/20/23   Scraggy           staffed            3.25    Lightning
🔥 08/20/23   Kanaka           mop up          28       Lightning
🔥 08/25/23   Cedar             Staffed           10.7    Lightning
🔥 08/25/23   Grayback        staffed            40       Lightning
🔥 08/25/23   Barklow          staffed            9         Lightning
🔥 08/25/23   Winchuck       staffed            .7        Lightning
 
If a fire is listed as fully contained, controlled or out, there will be no further updates for that incident unless significant change occurs.

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USDA is an equal opportunity employer provider, employer, and lender

08/29/2023 Chilcoot and Ridge Fires Update

 

CHILCOOT AND RIDGE FIRE UPDATE

Tuesday, August 29, 2023


Chilcoot Fire: Size: – 921 acres Containment: 0%

Ridge Fire: Size – 221 acres Containment: 0%


The Chilcoot and Ridge Fires continue to burn in the Umpqua National Forest. Aircraft will be utilized to support ground crews as weather allows. Yesterday’s inversion layer didn’t allow for flights until early afternoon. There are approximately 400 personnel supporting these fires with additional crews on order. Ground resources will spend the day using direct and indirect fire suppression tactics, while night crews will work to hold the fire within the established footprint.


Chilcoot Fire - Handline construction along the 3806 Road will continue as well as getting line around the spot fires on the northeast side. Firefighters will continue protecting the Chilcoot Repeater site and mopping up around critical infrastructure. Fire crews and DFPA made progress building strong containment lines on the northwest edge of the fire. These lines will help minimize impacts to private timberlands.


Ridge Fire – More accurate mapping shows the fire to be 221 acres and holding close to the current footprint. The fire did grow approximately two acres in the Boulder Creek Wilderness. The rugged terrain makes it challenging to sections of containment line allowing for the use of natural barriers as necessary. The fire continues to hold along the 3810 Road, on the south, near Boulder Creek North. 


Weather

Temperatures are expected to decrease and humidities rise as a low-pressure system moves in. Elevated humidities will provide excellent opportunities to hold and improve containment lines. Northwest winds will become stronger this afternoon and into the evening, 7-13mph. This low-pressure system will bring with it a chance of precipitation towards the end of the week.


Evacuations

No current evacuations.


Closures

An Emergency Forest Closure Order (06-15-00-23-475) has been established. The order is in effect from Aug 28, 2023 – Dec 1, 2023. The full order can be found here.


Temporary Flight Restrictions can be found at https://tfr.faa.gov/tfr2/list.jsp


Additional information

There will be a Community Meeting on Wednesday Aug 30, 2023, at 7:00 pm. The meeting will be held at the Glide Revitalization Center, 125 Wild Thyme Lane (behind the Dental office). This will also be broadcast on Facebook Live.

• InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/2023-chilcoot-fire-unf

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550481586772

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/UmpquaNF