Single Publication

McCall, Idaho – Beginning August 6, 2023 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 and stopping through the area of fire activity is allowed beginning August 6 with some exceptions that will be explained at Hancock Camp.

Fire activity has significantly altered the landscape on both sides of the river in the area of the Elkhorn fire.  Be on the lookout for falling rocks, logs, and other debris.  Please exercise caution when floating through the fire area.  Do not impede any firefighting operations - move out of the way of jetboats carrying firefighting personnel when possible.  Follow instructions from Forest Service personnel.  As your group passes through the fire area, stay together as a group with all boats in the party staying within close proximity to each other.

After checking in with Forest Service personnel at Hancock Camp (river left, river mile 26.1), and if you choose to camp or stop in the area of the fire, watch out for:

• Burned snags, trees, and limbs falling in or near the burn perimeter, especially in windy conditions.
• Rolling rocks or logs, especially near trails and river corridors
• Debris in rivers, streams, and trail
• Stump holes in and near the fire perimeter where roots and stumps have burned out underground.
• Increased risk of flash flooding
• Campsite and tent placement near standing burned trees.
• Consider the prevailing wind when establishing camps in burned areas.

For additional Elkhorn Fire Information:

• Elkhorn Fire Information - InciWeb the Incident Information System (nwcg.gov)
• Fire information at the Incident Command Post can be reached at 208-718-2234, and follow the Payette National Forest on Twitter at @PayetteForest, and on Facebook at U.S. Forest Service – Payette National Forest.
• For permit rollover information and other river information call the Salmon – Challis National Forest River Clerk at 208-756-5587 or 208-481-2625.

 What you need to know to be prepared during fire season:

• Check the fire situation before your launch and heed safety warnings. 
• Know that you are traveling at your own risk.  There is will not be a Forest Service representative readily available to assist you if you get into a dangerous situation.
• Be prepared to evacuate if fire conditions change.
• Stay clear of active fire suppression activities and crews.
• Expect smokey conditions that may impact aircraft and satellite service.
• Access points such as airstrips and roads may be affected.
• Heavy rains on burned areas may create new river hazards and rapids.
• Expect conditions to change in this dynamic environment. Wildfires play an important role in shaping the landscape along the river corridor.  They may also alter your itinerary while on the river.
• If encountering active fire, assess whether to eddy out or float through on the opposite side of the river; conditions are continually changing.
• Watch for roll-out; trees that have or are burning may roll into the river or trails, and heat can displace rocks.
• Helicopters may be working in the area and dipping from various water sources.
• When driving to/from launch/take-out, be aware of heavy vehicles and increased traffic due to fire support vehicles and closures.
• Smoke will impede visibility - travel with extra caution.

 Fire Effects – Post Fire Information for Boaters:

• Fires have burned a significant number of acres within the wilderness, including several miles of the Salmon River corridor.
• Wildfire is a natural ecological agent and as such is allowed to play its natural role within the Frank Church--River of No Return Wilderness.
• During your trip, you will encounter areas that burned as a result of these fires, which can create varied effects on the landscape.
• Caution should be observed while traveling in or near a burned area. Also be aware that new fires can occur throughout the float season.

Check the Forest website for fire information, restrictions, and closures.  Watch out for:

• Burned snags, trees, and limbs falling in or near the burn perimeter, especially in windy conditions.
• Rolling rocks or logs, especially near trails and river corridors.
• Debris in rivers, streams, and trail.
• Stump holes in and near the fire perimeter where roots and stumps have burned out underground.
• Increased risk of flash flooding.
• Campsite and tent placement near standing burned trees.
• Consider the prevailing wind when establishing camps in burned areas.

The Incident Management Team has a public wildfire information hotline for fire information – 208-718-2234. 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 at U.S. Forest Service – Payette National Forest.

###