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McCall, Idaho- Early-arriving clouds and precipitation slowed fire progression yesterday. Heat was more prevalent from the Mallard Creek drainage on the east, along the northeast perimeter to the Salmon River and along the southeast perimeter to Magpie Creek. There was no infrared flight last night, estimated acreage is 24,000.

Firefighters are conducting a point protection, confine and contain strategy that includes assessments in the Whitewater Ranch and Vitta Point areas. Numerous structures along the northwest side of the fire perimeter are being evaluated, while yesterday crews completed preparation of values at risk including bridges, cabins, lodges and historical sites along the river corridor. Firefighters are assessing and implementing structure protection measures from Arctic Point upriver to Lantz Bar. Given the fire’s slow progression to the northeast, the firefighters will conduct an early assessment of the Sheep Hill lookout.

The arrival of a cold front means mostly cloudy days through the weekend along with the likelihood of light precipitation and scattered thunderstorms. The southern slopes may experience heat from the emerging sunshine, which could lead to drying fuels and localized increased fire behavior when the drainages align with prevailing winds.

Raft launching from Corn Creek has resumed. Rafters are asked to not stop in the fire area, stay together and don't linger as jet boats are operating within the burn area in support of firefighting efforts.  It is best to move through the fire area in the early morning hours. Visibility within the Salmon River drainage can be reduced significantly by smoke. For additional information on rafting, contact the river desk at 208-756-5587 or 208-481-2625.

The road to Whitewater remains closed to public traffic. Currently, a Temporary Emergency Closure is in place on roads, trails, and the area east of Mallard Creek drainage and through the Bargamin Creek drainage, and north of Bat Point. Trail Closures are in place on the Payette National Forest side of the river as well. Please note that the Magruder Corridor Road is open.

An 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. This includes those intending to land at private ranches under the TFR.

The Payette National Forest has a public wildfire information hotline for fire information – 208-634-0820. Visit Inciweb for information on large wildfires at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov, and follow the Payette National Forest on Twitter at @PayetteForest, and on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/payettenational forest

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