Single Publication

McCall, Idaho – The Elkhorn Fire is 26,048 acres and 68% complete. A Flood Watch is in effect through Tuesday evening due to near-record levels of atmospheric moisture associated with the remnants of Hurricane Hilary. Heavy rainfall (over an inch) is expected. For weather updates visit the National Weather Service Missoula Forecast Office https://www.weather.gov/mso/. Burn scars and flood-prone areas will be at risk for rock, mudslide, and debris flows. Learn how to prepare at https://www.ready.gov/floods.

The fire is creeping and smoldering in heavy dead and down timber. Suppression repair of mechanical line will continue as weather allows. Backhaul of structural protection equipment no longer needed from Whitewater Ranch downriver to China Bar is complete. Removal of equipment upriver will begin after the forecasted weather event.

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. 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.  Heavy rains on burned areas may create new river hazards and rapids. 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, and 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 that 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.

Fire info and daily air quality updates are available on InciWeb https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/idpaf-elkhorn-fire and the Payette National Forest Facebook https://www.facebook.com/payettenationalforest.