9/15/2023 Chilcoot and Ridge Fires Update

 

Chilcoot and Ridge Fires September 15, 2023 Daily Fire Update

Chilcoot and Ridge Fires: Total personnel: 470 | Total Resources: 14 engines; 11 crews; 5 helicopters; 9 heavy equipment; 6 water tenders 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. Chilcoot Fire: Size: 1,769 acres | Start Date: August 24, 2023 | Cause: Lightning | Containment: 50%   Yesterday, Unstaffed Aerial Systems (UAS)/drones were flown using an infrared camera over the fire to help firefighters locate hot spots close to the fire perimeter. Although the fire was more active, drier weather did not cause significant fire spread and remains within control lines. Resources have successfully finished their work on contingency lines and will be moved to assist crews strengthening control lines closer to the fire’s edge. Helicopters were used over the fire to drop water, slowing fire activity, and assisting crews on the ground. Drier weather will test control lines today but crews will be placed strategically around the fire to slow any fire spread. Firefighters are continuing to extinguish hot spots using hand tools to smother heat with dirt, and using water from engines, water tenders, and helicopters to cool heat Ridge Fire: Size: 219 acres | Start Date: August 25, 2023 | Cause: Lightning | Containment: 95%   Firefighters have been successful in suppression efforts on the Ridge Fire and it is now in patrol status. Two fire engines will remain ready to engage if fire activity increases. Weather: Hot and dry weather will continue the next few days with today being the hottest and driest day. Winds with an easterly component early in the morning are expected to shift during the day to west to northwest and pick up slightly on ridgetops in the afternoon. Higher peaks could experience winds closer to 10 mph.  Smoke Outlook: Smoke outlooks are found 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 Temporary Flight Restriction over these fires. Chilcoot Fire InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orupf-2023-chilcoot-fire-unf Ridge Fire InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orupf-2023-ridge-fire-unf Chilcoot and Ridge Fires Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chilcootridgefires2023/ Fire Information: (541) 900-5862, 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM Email: 2023.chilcoot@firenet.gov

Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region | www.fs.usda.gov/r6