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McCall, Idaho – The Elkhorn Fire currently stands at 25,980 acres and 45% complete. Hot and dry conditions continue to cause isolated torching and short runs within the confinement line of the fire. Today, high temps are expected to be in triple digits in the Salmon River Corridor and in the high 90’s in the surrounding area. Monsoonal weather conditions are returning to the region this weekend bringing higher fuel moisture, increased humidity levels and a heavier smoke inversion. 

Today, Great Basin Incident Management Team 2 (GBIMT2) will be shadowed by National Incident Management Organization (NIMO) Team 4. Shadowing is when the incoming team spends the day with the outgoing teams section’s to learn what they’ve accomplished, what their challenges have been, their plans moving forward and the assets currently available to them. Command of the Elkhorn Fire will transition from GBIMT2 to NIMO Team 4 at 6 a.m. August 17, 2023.

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. 

The Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) has been reduced to a two-mile buffer around the fire perimeter. All aircraft (including drones) not assigned to the fire are required to remain out of the TFR area between 0900-2100.

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