Single Publication

McCall, Idaho – The Elkhorn Fire remains 26,048 acres and 45% complete. The weather pattern begins to change today as upper level high pressure pushes farther east, allowing for increasing atmospheric moisture into the region. Temperatures will cool on average ten degrees from previous days, along with daytime humidity increasing. There is a chance for showers and isolated thunderstorms with gusty southwest/westerly winds up to 30 mph.

Higher winds are likely to increase fire activity prior to moisture moving in but is not expected to impact values the incident management team is working to protect. The daily air quality reports will be available through the Elkhorn Fire information page at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/idpaf-elkhorn-fire

There is a detour on the Divide Trail #505 while firefighters and heavy equipment are working from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m, constructing fireline in this area to anchor the fire to the 2020 Shissler Fire scar. The alternate route is from the junction of the Divide Trail #505 and Forest Road 468, west to Forest Road 1172, northeast to the Red River Road #234, then southeast on Forest Road 1170 to Forest Road 1170C to the junction of Forest Road 1170C and the Divide Trail #505.

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 Campsite on river-left, at river mile 26.1 to receive further instruction via a river information board regarding passing through and camping in the area of the Elkhorn fire. Please read the river information board for any changes that may have occurred since you left Corn Creek launch. Camping, recreating (i.e., picnic, bathroom breaks and beach walking) and stopping through the area of Elkhorn fire activity is allowed with some exceptions. Once past Hancock Camp (River Mile 26.1) there is no stopping until boaters pass Magpie Creek Camp (River Mile 29.6). 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. After passing Whitewater Ranch (River Mile 39) there are no 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.

A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place for 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.

Visit InciWeb for information on wildfires at https://inciweb.ncwg.gov and follow the Payette National Forest on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/payettenationalforest