Single Publication

McCall, Idaho – Warm sunny skies gave way to an early inversion lift over the Elkhorn Fire yesterday morning allowing reconnaissance flights to gain a better view of containment, increasing it to 36% and the acreage to 25,964. A ridge of high pressure has moved into the region resulting in an increase in temperatures and decreased humidity levels.

Crews will continue to work the western flank of the fire in Trout Creek and maintain a presence around the inholdings along the Salmon River Corridor. Structure protection continues in Mallard Creek and Cook Ranch. Heavy equipment and fire crews progress with building indirect confinement lines around the Magruder corridor, 9505 C trail, 9550 road, 9560 road, 421 road and the 505 UT trail. Further up-river, Artic Point, River of No Return and Forest Service bridge infrastructures will receive further structure preparation.

Rafters can expect to see an increase of smoke in the Salmon River basin. Smoke monitoring equipment is being strategically placed throughout the area to monitor the air quality. The daily air quality reports will be available through the Elkhorn Fire information page at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/idpaf-elkhorn-fire.

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 at river mile 26.1 to receive further instruction from either a Forest Service representative or the posted information board 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 

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