Single Publication

Fire Update – Elkhorn Fire, August 9, 2023 

McCall, Idaho –The fire’s acreage remains 24,039 with containment at 12%. A containment line has been established from the Trout Creek drainage to Whitewater Ranch. The six assigned helicopters performed a wide range of delayed supply, reconnaissance and other operational duties after the inversion lifted late in the morning. U.S. Forest Service support of Salmon River boaters resumed yesterday at the Hancock Campsite after a temporary suspension due to safety hazards along the river. 

A heavy equipment taskforce is creating a vegetation fuel break from Magruder Corridor Road toward the 2020 Shissler fire scar, brushing and limbing along the trail system while minimizing impact on the terrain. Fallers are working on indirect fire line to hold the fire east of FS Road 421. Firefighters will construct handline along the edge of the Dixie fire scar at FS Road 9550 toward Magruder Corridor Road and following the 505 UTV trail.  

There were no thunderstorms yesterday as the weather entered a several-day warming and drying trend. Weather permitting, in the near future firefighters are planning to reengage along the southeast fire perimeter, basing operations from the Lantz Bar. An Unstaffed Aircraft System (drone) is being utilized to look for hot spots. 

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 on 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. 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 Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place.  All aircraft (including drones) not assigned to the fire are required to remain out of the TFR area.   

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