9/24/2023 Chilcoot Fire Update

 

Chilcoot Fire September 24, 2023 Daily Fire Update

Chilcoot Fire   Size: 1,940 acres | Start Date: August 24, 2023 | Cause: Lightning | Containment: 65% Total personnel:  432 | Total Resources:  9 engines; 8 crews; 3 helicopters; 7 heavy equipment; 10 water tenders   Northwest Team 6 will be transferring command to Northwest Team 13 on Monday, September 25th at 6 pm. This will allow continued strategic management of all the Umpqua Fires as personnel time out. With the decrease in fire activity, new updates for the Chilcoot Fire will be posted on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays unless a significant event or situation change warrant more frequent updates. Northwest Team 6 is also managing the Ridge, Brice Creek, Dinner, and Grizzly Fires on the Umpqua National Forest.                                                                                                             Current Situation: In the south, firefighters have been working on mopping up by extinguishing hot spots using hand tools and water within 60 feet of the fire perimeter. To the east, road grading has been completed and crews are working with Resource Advisors (READs) to ensure control lines are secure. Across the entire fire, crews have been backhauling excess gear ensuring the right amount of infrastructure remains in place and allowing other equipment to be returned and refurbished. In preparation for incoming precipitation, fire personnel are engaged in suppression repair like putting water bars on control lines to reduce possible erosion and sedimentation. Firefighters will be watching out for any new hazards as soil becomes softer with wetting rain.   Although rain is expected over the next few days, heavy fuels will still retain heat and continue to smolder. Weather: Moderate rain is expected starting in the afternoon and increasing overnight, with potentially an inch falling between today and tomorrow. Clouds will keep temperatures cool and humidity high. South to Southeast winds are expected today increasing speed in the afternoon with gusts up to 34 mph on ridge tops. Smoke: Smoke outlooks are available 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 a Temporary Flight Restriction over these fires.   Chilcoot Fire Inciweb:  https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/orupf-2023-chilcoot-fire-unf 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