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McCall, Idaho – With clear weather yesterday, air resources were able to fly a mapping mission around the fire’s perimeter and adjusted the acres to 25,786 acres and kept it at 12% containment. The previous week’s unstable weather conditions and heavy rains have kept air resource utilization to a minimum for safety concerns. Air resources will be back in the air this week supporting strategic operations and the firefighters on the ground.   

A low pressure system moved through the region yesterday bringing wind, afternoon rain and cooler temperatures. This allowed for minimal fire behavior in and along the fire’s perimeter. High pressure will move into the region today lowering humidity levels and raising temperatures. Air quality remains clear for the region and will be monitored in the coming weeks by newly installed air monitors in the river basin and adjacent communities. 

Firefighting crews have finished installing pumps and hose lines around structures as well as clearing around numerous inholdings in the Salmon River basin. Heavy equipment continues to build a fire break along the Magruder road corridor, tying that break back into the Dixie Fire scar of 2021. Crews continue to construct 26 miles of indirect fire line from the White Water Ranch. The goal is to tie this indirect line into the Shissler Fire burn scar supporting the long-term containment plan. 

The U.S. Forest Service Nez Perce-Clearwater, and Payette National Forests issued the Elkhorn fire area, roads and trails closure order #01-17-05-23-003, https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/nezperceclearwater/alerts-notices/?aid=82169. The closure area spans both sides of the Salmon River but excludes the Salmon River Wild and Scenic Corridor below the high-water line.  

Boaters are required to stop at Hancock Campsite on at river mile 26.1 to receive further instruction from a Forest Service representative regarding passing through and camping in the area of the Elkhorn fire. Camping, recreating (i.e., picnic, bathroom breaks and beach walking) and stopping through the area of fire activity is allowed. Upon leaving Hancock Camp there will be no stopping until boaters pass Magpie Creek Camp. After passing Magpie Creek Camp, boaters will be allowed to camp and recreate on a First Come, First Served basis everywhere except: Upper Allison, Allison, Lower Allison, Whitewater Camp, Campbell’s Ferry and China Bar. Upon leaving China Bar, there are no camping restrictions connected to the Elkhorn Fire. For additional information on rafting, contact the river desk at 208-756-5587 or 208-481-2625. 

A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place. All aircraft (including drones) not assigned to the fire are required to remain out of the TFR area.   

Visit InciWeb for information on wildfires at https://inciweb.ncwg.gov and follow the Payette National Forest on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/payettenationalforest