Single Publication

McCall, Idaho – The Elkhorn Fire is 26,048 acres and 74% complete. A Flood Watch is in effect until midnight Tuesday, August 22, 2023, due to near-record levels of precipitation and atmospheric moisture associated with the remnants of Hurricane Hilary. Periods of heavy rainfall and scattered showers are expected to continue through Tuesday with up to a quarter to half inch of additional precipitation projected for some areas. For weather updates visit the National Weather Service Missoula Forecast Office at https://www.weather.gov/mso/. Burn scars and flood-prone areas are at risk of rock, mudslide, and debris flows. Learn how to prepare at https://www.ready.gov/floods.

Suppression repair and removal of equipment upriver will continue as the weather allows. While precipitation and humidity are helping to substantially limit fire activity and growth, it is anticipated that some heat may remain in the heavy dead and down vegetation on the forest floor. Point source protections remain in place to protect values at risk until the fire is no longer a potential threat.

As of Tuesday, August 22, 2023, boaters are no longer required to stop at Hancock Campsite to receive further instruction regarding passing through and camping in the area of the Elkhorn Fire. However, be aware that fire activity has significantly altered the landscape on both sides of the river in the area. Please use caution when floating through the fire area, and be especially on the lookout for falling rocks, logs, and other debris. Heavy rains on burned areas may create new river hazards and rapids. Camping, recreating (e.g., picnics, bathroom breaks, 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.

In addition, effective Friday, August 25, 2023, the U.S. Forest Service Nez Perce-Clearwater and Payette National Forests will be rescinding 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, which has spanned 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 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.

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