Single Publication

Fire Update – Elkhorn Fire, August 7, 2023 

McCall, Idaho - Firefighters continue to have a presence in the Salmon River corridor and are ready to implement protection measures valued at risk if the fire activity increases from China Bar to Allison Ranch. The fire grew to an estimated 24,039 acres. Crews continued building line to hold the fire East of the 421 road and north of the Salmon River. Operations had to be temporarily suspended on the Salmon River corridor due to mudslides upriver causing a large amount of debris in the river system making navigations dangerous for jet boats transporting firefighters and supplies. Unmanned Aerial System (drone) conducted infrared operations of the fire today.    

Fire behavior is expected to be minimal across the fire with low rates of spread following rainfall across the fire area. The wetting rain will temporarily reduce heat and fire spread. However, a negative aspect of heavy rainfall is the potential for mudslides and for burnt logs to roll down hillsides. Rainfall is expected to continue today. 

The Magruder road is open. It is the northern boundary of the Area Closure on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest.  The Idaho Centennial Trail is closed from Chamberlain Basin to Campbell’s Ferry also from Campbell’s Ferry to the Magruder Road at Dry Saddle. Currently all trails in and out of Campbell’s Ferry are closed. 

The US 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. 

Beginning today boaters are required to stop at Hancock Campsite on river-left 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 with some exceptions. 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. 

An Temporary Fire 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.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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