Single Publication

McCall, Idaho – The Elkhorn fire is currently at 25,966 acres with 40% completed. Firefighters remain along the west flank of the fire along Trout Creek and Whitewater Wilderness Ranch to ensure private inholdings and values along the Salmon River Corridor are secure. Crews are constructing fuel breaks from 9553 to 9550 road to the Magruder Road, where indirect lines will the follow the 505 UTV trail, then continuing into the previous Shissler Wildfire from 2020.

Over the next few days hot, dry, and stable conditions will prevail. An upper ridge extends from the Pacific Northwest through the desert Southwest. The Salmon River drainage is expected to see triple digit heat into Thursday with 80s to 90s elsewhere. With this drying effect, higher temperatures, and low relative humidity will cause fires to burn more readily in heavy dead and downed fuels. Firefighters could see a potential for open flames, torching trees, spot fires, and small areas of spread where slope and fuels align. The daily air quality reports will be available through the Elkhorn Fire information page at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/idpaf-elkhorn-fire

Communication continues with the boaters entering the river at Corn Creek and again at Hancock Rapids before entering the fire footprint along the river corridor. Boaters are required to stop at Hancock Rapids 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 Rapids 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, and Campbell’s Ferry. Upon leaving Campbell’s Ferry, 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.

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. 

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