September 8, 2023 10:30 a.m.

Significant fire activity was not reported Thursday on the Chilcoot and Ridge fires, burning in the Umpqua National Forest.

A UNF update said firefighters and heavy equipment are working across the complex terrain of each fire’s landscape. The humidity level will remain in the mid 30 percent range for several days, which may cause localized smoke due to an uptick in fire behavior.

The Chilcoot Fire is listed at 1,794 acres and is 15 percent contained. A small holdover lightening fire was extinguished Thursday. Firefighters will continue to patrol that area. Friday the primary task will be to complete work along the east perimeter’s 300 Road. The crews along the south flank have completed the hose lays near the southeast corner’s dozer line. Firefighters continued mop up in depth along the long length of private land comprising the west flank. Along the north flank, mop up is progressing as planned. That includes 100 acres in the northeast corner that need an extended effort due to the rugged terrain.

Clear weather conditions aided firefighters Thursday on the Ridge Fire. It is listed at 239 acres and is 80 percent contained. There was little to no smoke or smoldering, even during the primary burn window in the mid-afternoon. Firefighters are securing the northwest corner first, given the advantage of easier terrain and more secure footing than the rocky northeast corner.

This weekend, a strengthening high-pressure system over the region will raise temperatures by a few degrees and bring lower humidity. The higher temperatures will increase the volatility of the lighter fuels, such as dead fallen trees and brush piles wider than three inches, retaining the moisture from the rainfall of the last week.

Updates on the Chilcoot and Ridge fires are linked: https://www.facebook.com/chilcootridgefires2023