The Central Idaho Dispatch Zone is at VERY HIGH Fire Danger

CENTRAL IDAHO FIRE RESTRICTIONS AREA IS IN STAGE I FIRE RESTRICTIONS

The Salmon-Challis National Forest has had one (1) new fire in the last week.  To date, there have been 44 wildfires reported on the Salmon-Challis National Forest.  36 of those reported fires are out.  

Elkhorn Fire (September 18): The fire, located approximately 27 miles northwest of Salmon on the North Fork Ranger District in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, is estimated at 0.10 to 0.25 acres.  The fire is burning in grass and dead/down fuels.  A storm cell passed over the fire area yesterday afternoon, fire managers will do a reconnaissance flight of the fire area today to gather more information.  Further information will be shared if significant activity occurs.  

Saw Log Fire (September 10): The fire, located approximately 22 miles northwest of Challis on the Salmon-Cobalt Ranger District, is estimated at two (2) acres.  The fire, burning in timber with a litter understory is 100% contained.  

Horse Fire (September 8): The fire, located approximately 5½ miles northwest of Corn Creek on the North Fork Ranger District in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness is estimated at 397 acres.  The fire is burning in lodgepole, fir, and snags.  The fire is being managed under a point protection strategy.  Fire activity is minimal.  The fire can be found on InciWeb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8416/.  

Owl Fire (September 8): The fire is being updated separately and can be found on InciWeb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8416/.  

Siah Fire (August 17): The 11 acre lightning fire, located approximately six (6) miles northwest of Indian Creek Guard Station on the Middle Fork Ranger District in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness.  The fire burning in grass, brush, and fir is out.  

Norton (August 1):  The lightning fire is located approximately seven miles northwest of Lower Loon Creek on the Middle Fork Ranger District in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness.  The 9,054 acre fire burning in subalpine fir, Douglas fir, sagebrush, and grass is located in steep rugged terrain.  Fire activity has moderated due to recent precipitation over the fire area.  The fire is under a point protection strategy, fire managers are utilizing air resources to determine action points and assess values in the vicinity.  Fire managers continue to assess the fire using remote cameras and aircraft.  The fire can be found on InciWeb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8308/.  

Moose (July 17):  The fire is being updated separately and can be found on InciWeb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8249/. 

Woodtick (July 14):  The lightning fire started as two separate fires approximately six (6) miles west, northwest of Meyers Cove on the Middle Fork Ranger District in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness.  The 9,598 acre fire burning in timber, grass, and brush is located in steep rugged terrain.  Fire activity is minimal, the fire is smoldering and creeping.  The fire is under a point protection and confine and contain strategies with risk to responders and public safety being the top priority.  The fire can be found on InciWeb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8253/. 

Wolf Fang Fire (July 13):  The lightning fire is located approximately four (4) miles northeast of the confluence of Big Creek and the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness on the North Fork Ranger District.  The 2,082 acre fire burning in spruce and fir is located in steep, rugged terrain.  Fire activity is minimal, the fire is smoldering.  Risk to responders and public safety are the top priorities for the Wolf Fang Fire.  Due to the inaccessibility of the terrain and snag hazards, Middle Fork Peak lookout, a remote camera, and aviation are assessing the fire daily.  The fire can be found on InciWeb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8273/.  

Weather:  A low pressure system will remain positioned off the northern California coast through Tuesday resulting in warm, dry, and locally breezy conditions across the region.  The low moves onshore and across the region Wednesday and Thursday resulting in widespread showers and cooler temperatures.  

The forest is asking visitors to be aware of the VERY HIGH fire danger for the Salmon-Challis National Forest.  The U.S. Forest Service, Idaho Department of Lands, and Bureau of Land Management in east-central Idaho are in Stage 1 fire restrictions.  Stage 1 fire restrictions apply to federal, state, state endowment, private forestland and rangelands within the designated area.  One Less Spark Means One Less Wildfire.  

Nationally, there are 24 uncontained large fires being managed under a full suppression strategy and 81 large fires managed under a strategy other than full suppression.  For information on smoke visit: https://fire.airnow.gov/.  

Visit our website at: www.fs.usda.gov/scnf/, ‘Like Us’ on Facebook @salmonchallisnf, and ‘Follow Us’ on Twitter @salmonchallisnf.  

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Diamond Watch Fire Update 10/13/2022
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8264/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/USFSIPNF
  Idaho Panhandle National Forests, Priest Lake Ranger District Phone: (208) 557-8813
  Location: 5.5 miles west of Nordman, ID, in Pend Oreille County, WA
  Size: 1,336 acres Personnel: 16 Containment: 67% Incident Commander: ICT4 Hirst
Overview: The lightning-caused Diamond Watch Fire was detected on the evening of July 14th. The fire is visible from ID Highway 57 near Priest Lake and is burning on a ridge east of Diamond Peak, located 5.5 miles west of Nordman, ID, in Pend Oreille County, WA. The fire was mapped at 1,336 acres via an infrared flight last night, 10/6. Most of the heat continues to be concentrated on the ridge's western slope, with portions of the perimeter having slightly grown over the last week. Firefighters and public safety remain the top priority.
Planned Actions: Firefighters utilize heavy equipment, including masticators and dozers, to help reinforce containment lines along the forest roads surrounding the fire. Clearing away the vegetation that parallels the roads creates a large fuel break where firefighters can work to fight the fire safely. FSR 308 is being used as the southern and western containment lines, and FSR 657 has been reinforced on the east connecting FSR 308 to Diamond Creek. Diamond Creek acts as a natural barrier keeping the fire contained on the northern edge in addition to FSR 311 and 657. Crews reinforce lines by digging additional handlines, laying hoses, and setting up sprinkler systems with pumps to help stop any spread beyond containment lines. Direct action within the fire area would be very dangerous to firefighters due to the steep, rugged terrain covered by dead and down trees in jackstraw piles.
Smoke: Smoke from numerous fires in WA and ID have had some impacts on the air quality around Priest Lake. The Air Quality Index has remained "Good" most days, but it has moved into "Moderate" several times over the last month. For an interactive air quality map and predicted smoke conditions, visit https://fire.airnow.gov/.
Weather: A return to abnormal seasonal temps in the 60s to 70s with moderated RHs in the upper 30s to 40s this coming week will allow for slow to minimal fire growth. 
  Closures & Evacuations: Area and road closures have been issued for Forest Service Roads 311, 308, 1362H, and the area near the Diamond Watch Fire. Petit Lake and it’s associated dispersed campsites are within the area closure. FSR 1362 remains open. This closure is for public safety due to heavy equipment operations and wildfire suppression effects on the Diamond Watch Fire. All methods of travel prohibited (foot, mechanized, motorized, and stock) on the closed roads and area. Closed roads serve as containment lines while heavy equipment and fire personnel continue with suppression repair work. Changes in closure status will be promptly shared. The Priest Lake area can be accessed from the Colville National Forest through Newport, WA, via US Highway 2 north and Priest River, ID, via ID Highway 57 north. There are NO evacuations. However, when living in fire-prone areas, it is recommended that all area residents have an evacuation plan in place, including having all important documents, pictures, prescriptions, and pets gathered up and quickly transportable. Residents of Bonner County, ID, or Pend Oreille, WA, can visit https://www.nixle.com or text their home zip code to 888777 to sign up for emergency alerts.
Hunting in the IPNF: The Idaho Panhandle National Forests encourages visitors to enjoy their public land by following travel management guidelines to minimize erosion impacts, aid in wildlife protection, provide non-motorized recreation and hunting opportunities, and protect natural resource values. Specific closure area information for the Idaho Panhandle National Forests, including maps, are posted on the IPNF Alerts & Notices web page (https://www.fs.usdalgov/alerts/ipnf/alertsnotices) statewide information on fires and closures is provided on the Idaho Department of Fish and Game’s Fire Map web page (https://idfg.idaho.gov/ifwis/maps/realtime/fire/)  Prescribed fire plans can be found at http://bit.ly/NorthIdahoRxFire. In the opened areas, the public should be prepared to meet heavy equipment and other traffic on roads; be aware that weather conditions such as precipitation and wind can rapidly change conditions on the ground, especially in fire areas. Wind can blow trees across roadways and trails, and precipitation can wash debris across roads and trails, blocking access and raising stream and river levels. Forest visitors must be prepared to stay longer than expected due to changing circumstances. Preparing for the unexpected is the best plan.

Diamond Watch Fire Update 10/11/2022


Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8264/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/USFSIPNF
  Idaho Panhandle National Forests, Priest Lake Ranger District Phone: (208) 557-8813
  Location: 5.5 miles west of Nordman, ID, in Pend Oreille County, WA
  Size: 1,284 acres Personnel: 16 Containment: 65% Incident Commander: ICT4 Hurst
Overview: The lightning-caused Diamond Watch Fire was detected on the evening of July 14th. The fire is visible from ID Highway 57 near Priest Lake and is burning on a ridge east of Diamond Peak, located 5.5 miles west of Nordman, ID, in Pend Oreille County, WA. The fire was mapped at 1,284 acres via an infrared flight last night, 10/6. Most of the heat continues to be concentrated on the ridge's western slope, with portions of the perimeter having slightly grown over the last week. Firefighters and public safety remain the top priority.
Planned Actions: Firefighters utilize heavy equipment, including masticators and dozers, to help reinforce containment lines along the forest roads surrounding the fire. Clearing away the vegetation that parallels the roads creates a large fuel break where firefighters can work to fight the fire safely. FSR 308 is being used as the southern and western containment lines, and FSR 657 has been reinforced on the east connecting FSR 308 to Diamond Creek. Diamond Creek acts as a natural barrier keeping the fire contained on the northern edge in addition to FSR 311 and 657. Crews reinforce lines by digging additional handlines, laying hoses, and setting up sprinkler systems with pumps to help stop any spread beyond containment lines. Direct action within the fire area would be very dangerous to firefighters due to the steep, rugged terrain covered by dead and down trees in jackstraw piles.
Smoke: Smoke from numerous fires in WA and ID have had some impacts on the air quality around Priest Lake. The Air Quality Index has remained "Good" most days, but it has moved into "Moderate" several times over the last month. For an interactive air quality map and predicted smoke conditions, visit https://fire.airnow.gov/.
Weather: A return to abnormal seasonal temps in the 60s to 70s with moderated RHs in the upper 30s to 40s this coming week will allow for slow to minimal fire growth. 
  Closures & Evacuations: Area and road closures have been issued for Forest Service Roads 311, 308, 1362H, and the area near the Diamond Watch Fire. Petit Lake and it’s associated dispersed campsites are within the area closure. FSR 1362 remains open. This closure is for public safety due to heavy equipment operations and wildfire suppression effects on the Diamond Watch Fire. All methods of travel prohibited (foot, mechanized, motorized, and stock) on the closed roads and area. Closed roads serve as containment lines while heavy equipment and fire personnel continue with suppression repair work. Changes in closure status will be promptly shared. The Priest Lake area can be accessed from the Colville National Forest through Newport, WA, via US Highway 2 north and Priest River, ID, via ID Highway 57 north.
There are NO evacuations. However, when living in fire-prone areas, it is recommended that all area residents have an evacuation plan in place, including having all important documents, pictures, prescriptions, and pets gathered up and quickly transportable. Residents of Bonner County, ID, or Pend Oreille, WA, can visit https://www.nixle.com or text their home zip code to 888777 to sign up for emergency alerts.
Hunting in the IPNF: The Idaho Panhandle National Forests encourages visitors to enjoy their public land by following travel management guidelines to minimize erosion impacts, aid in wildlife protection, provide non-motorized recreation and hunting opportunities, and protect natural resource values. Specific closure area information for the Idaho Panhandle National Forests, including maps, are posted on the IPNF Alerts & Notices web page (https://www.fs.usdalgov/alerts/ipnf/alertsnotices) statewide information on fires and closures is provided on the Idaho Department of Fish and Game’s Fire Map web page (https://idfg.idaho.gov/ifwis/maps/realtime/fire/)  Prescribed fire plans can be found at http://bit.ly/NorthIdahoRxFire. In the opened areas, the public should be prepared to meet heavy equipment and other traffic on roads; be aware that weather conditions such as precipitation and wind can rapidly change conditions on the ground, especially in fire areas. Wind can blow trees across roadways and trails, and precipitation can wash debris across roads and trails, blocking access and raising stream and river levels. Forest visitors must be prepared to stay longer than expected due to changing circumstances. Preparing for the unexpected is the best plan.

 Diamond Watch Fire Update

 
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8264/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/USFSIPNF
Idaho Panhandle National Forests, Priest Lake Ranger District
Phone: (208) 557-8813

Location: 5.5 miles west of Nordman, ID in Pend Oreille County, WA      Cause: Lightning      Start Date: July 14
Size: 1177 acres      Personnel: 15      Confined/Contained: 55%      Incident Commander: ICT4 Hirst 


 *These updates will be produced only if significant events occur*

 
Overview: The Diamond Watch Fire started by lightning on July 14th had a small uptick in fire activity this week. The smoke was highly visible from ID Highway 57 near Nordman, ID and is burning below the eastern slope of Diamond Peak.  The public is encouraged not to stop along the roadway if traveling HWY 57 near the fire area.  The fire has been burning in rugged, steep, and dangerous terrain which has prompted fire officials to apply a confine/contain strategy to provide a safe working environment for firefighters.  Smoke will continue to linger as duff and small timber litter debris burn within the fire.  Fire behavior has been low to moderate, with fire mostly creeping along the forest floor. 

 
Planned Actions:  Increased fire activity over the last few days on the eastern perimeter was due to duff and small timber litter debris burning as the fire gets closer to the containment line along Forest Service Road (FSR) 657.  Once the fire reaches FSR 657, firefighters will be able to access the fire’s edge and start taking suppression action on that part of the fire.  The southern containment line along FSR 308 is holding and the fire is cool where it has reached the road.   The fire continues to burn towards FSR 308 and FSR 311, which will eventually tie together on the western containment line.  The fire on the northern perimeter is slowly backing down the ridge towards Diamond Creek which will act as a natural barrier confining the northern edge of the fire.  Firefighters will continue to take suppression action as the fire’s edge becomes more accessible and allows for safe and efficient firefighting tactics.  

 
Smoke: Regional smoke from fires in the Western States and Canada have had impacts to the air quality around Priest Lake. For a current interactive air quality map and predicted smoke conditions, visit https://fire.airnow.gov/.

 
Closures & Evacuations: Area and road closures have been issued for Forest Service Roads 311, 308, 1362H and the area in the vicinity of the Diamond Watch Fire. Petit Lake and its associated dispersed campsites are within the area closure. FSR 1362 remains open. This closure is for public safety and all methods of travel are prohibited (foot, mechanized, motorized and stock) on the closed roads and areas. A closure on the Colville National Forest includes roads on the Idaho Panhandle National Forest. The closure is due to the Thor fire and starts at the junction of FS 302 and FSR 1013. The most up to date fire area closures can be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/ipnf/alerts-notices for the Idaho Panhandle National Forest and at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/colville/alerts-notices for the Colville National Forest. 

 
Preparedness & Restrictions: Wildfire season is not over and the need to be prepared continues. Please visit https://www.ready.gov/wildfires for details on preparing your home and family for potential wildfires on your area. There are no fire restrictions in place for the Diamond Watch Fire. For current fire restrictions around Idaho, visit https://www.idl.idaho.gov/fire-management/fire-restrictions-finder/. Residents of Bonner County, ID or Pend Oreille, WA can visit https://www.nixle.com or text home zip code to 888777 to sign up for emergency alerts. 

 
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Diamond Watch Fire Update

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8264/

 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/USFSIPNF

 
Idaho Panhandle National Forests, Priest Lake Ranger District

Phone: (208) 557-8813

 

Location: 5.5 miles west of Nordman, ID in Pend Oreille County, WA      Cause: Lightning      Start Date: July 14   Size: 1035 acres      Personnel: 21      Confined/Contained: 49%     

Incident Commander: ICT4 Hirst 

*These updates will be produced only if significant events occur*

Overview: The Diamond Watch Fire visible from ID Highway 57 near Nordman, ID is burning on Diamond Peak. This fire was started by lightning on July 14th. The fire is burning in rugged, steep, and dangerous terrain which has prompted fire officials to apply a confine/contain strategy to provide a safe working environment for firefighters. Containment line has been completed around the majority of the fire’s perimeter and Diamond Creek will continue to act as a natural barrier keeping the fire confined on the northern edge. Interior smoke will linger as timber litter and slash are consumed. Acreage will likely increase as the fire approaches the completed containment lines however, the fire has been stopping progression once it reaches those completed containment lines, and it is expected that the fire will continue to stop as it reaches the completed containment lines. As the fire reaches the completed containment lines, firefighters will be able to safely access the fire and fully suppress the fire’s edge. This will contribute to the containment percentage of the fire eventually increasing.

Planned Actions: Almost 7 miles of containment lines have been completed and are holding the fire in place as it reaches the perimeter. The fuel break that was created by heavy machinery on Forest Service Road (FSR) 308 was crucial in holding the fire within the completed containment line along FSR 308. Engine crews from Priest Lake Ranger District continue to patrol and suppress the fire where they can safely access the fire’s edge. Firefighters continue to use heavy equipment to improve forest roads in the area, and as a reminder, forest roads near the fire are closed to the public to provide for public and firefighter safety due to heavy machinery and fire vehicle traffic on those roads.

Smoke: Regional smoke from fires in the Western States and Canada have had impacts to the air quality around Priest Lake. For a current interactive air quality map and predicted smoke conditions, visit https://fire.airnow.gov/.

Closures & Evacuations: Area and road closures have been issued for Forest Service Roads 311, 308, 1362H and the area in the vicinity of the Diamond Watch Fire. Petit Lake and its associated dispersed campsites are within the area closure. FSR 1362 remains open. This closure is for public safety and all methods of travel are prohibited (foot, mechanized, motorized and stock) on the closed roads and areas. A closure on the Colville National Forest includes roads on the Idaho Panhandle National Forest. The closure is due to the Thor fire and starts at the junction of FS 302 and FSR 1013. The most up to date fire area closures can be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/ipnf/alerts-notices for the Idaho Panhandle National Forest and at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/colville/alerts-notices for the Colville National Forest. 

Preparedness & Restrictions: Wildfire season is not over and the need to be prepared continues. Please visit https://www.ready.gov/wildfires for details on preparing your home and family for potential wildfires on your area. There are no fire restrictions in place for the Diamond Watch Fire. For current fire restrictions around Idaho, visit https://www.idl.idaho.gov/fire-management/fire-restrictions-finder/. Residents of Bonner County, ID or Pend Oreille, WA can visit https://www.nixle.com or text home zip code to 888777 to sign up for emergency alerts. 

  TERMINATION OF ORDER

Bitterroot National National Forest Darby Ranger District

Pursuant to Title 36 CFR 261.50(a) and (b), the prohibition listed in Order number V2-22-D2-04 HOG TROUGH FIRE TRAIL AND AREA CLOSURE, applicable to the Darby Ranger District, Bitterroot National Forest, dated August 30th, 2022 and signed by Matthew P Anderson, is hereby terminated. All lands within the prior closure areas associated with the Hog Trough Fire are open effective September 18th, 2022 at 1600 hrs.

Done at Hamilton, Montana this 18th day of September 2022   

The Central Idaho Dispatch Zone is at MODERATE Fire Danger 

The Salmon-Challis National Forest has had one (1) new fire in the last week.  To date, there have been 49 wildfires reported on the Salmon-Challis National Forest.  42 of those reported fires are out.  

Timber Fire (October 5): The ½ acre fire burning in timber is out.  The fire was located approximately 12 miles southwest of Leadore on the Leadore Ranger District.  

Patterson Fire (September 29): The lightning fire is estimated at 40 acres.  The fire is located approximately 13 miles southeast of May on the Challis-Yankee Fork Ranger District.  The fire is burning in subalpine and Douglas fir.  The fire is under a combination of a point protection and confine and contain strategies.  This strategy focuses operations on protecting valued resources such as structures, natural resources, cultural resources, and other property.  Risk to responders and public safety is the number priority for the Patterson Fire.  

Horse Fire (September 8): The fire, located approximately 5½ miles northwest of Corn Creek on the North Fork Ranger District in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness is estimated at 397 acres.  The fire is burning in lodgepole, fir, and snags.  The fire is being managed under a point protection strategy.  Fire activity is minimal, the fire is smoldering in the interior of the perimeter.  The fire can be found on InciWeb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8416/.  

Owl Fire (September 8): The fire, located approximately 20 miles west of North Fork on the North Fork Ranger District, is 747 acres.  The fire, burning in grass, brush, Douglas fir, and snags is 100% contained.  The fire is on InciWeb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8416/.   

Norton (August 1):  The lightning fire is located approximately seven miles northwest of Lower Loon Creek on the Middle Fork Ranger District in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness.  The 9,069 acre fire burning in subalpine fir, Douglas fir, sagebrush, and grass is located in steep rugged terrain.  Fire activity is minimal, the fire is smoldering.  The fire is under a point protection strategy, fire managers are utilizing air resources to determine action points and assess values in the vicinity.  Fire managers continue to assess the fire using aircraft.  The fire can be found on InciWeb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8308/.   

Moose (July 17):  The fire is being updated separately and can be found on InciWeb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8249/. 

Woodtick (July 14):  The lightning fire started as two separate fires approximately six (6) miles west, northwest of Meyers Cove on the Middle Fork Ranger District in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness.  The 9,598 acre fire burning in timber, grass, and brush is located in steep rugged terrain.  Fire activity is minimal, the fire is smoldering.  The fire is under a point protection and confine and contain strategies with risk to responders and public safety being the top priority.  The fire can be found on InciWeb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8253/. 

Wolf Fang Fire (July 13):  The lightning fire is located approximately four (4) miles northeast of the confluence of Big Creek and the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness on the North Fork Ranger District.  The 2,082 acre fire burning in spruce and fir is located in steep, rugged terrain.  Fire activity is minimal, the fire is smoldering.  Risk to responders and public safety are the top priorities for the Wolf Fang Fire.  Due to the inaccessibility of the terrain and snag hazards a remote camera and aviation are assessing the fire daily.  The fire can be found on InciWeb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8273/.  

Weather:  High pressure will remain in control all week with warm and dry conditions. A passing system to our east will bring a cold front down from Canada reaching eastern Idaho by midday with partly cloudy skies, cooler temperatures, and another afternoon of breezy winds to around 10 to 20 mph. Skies clear and winds subside this evening with colder near normal temperatures Wednesday morning. A warming trend for temperatures and light winds continue into next week with our next system expected again to pass east of our region for Saturday. 

The forest is asking visitors to be aware of the MODERATE fire danger for the Salmon-Challis National Forest.  One Less Spark Means One Less Wildfire.  Never leave a campfire unattended.  Always add water, stir it, and make sure all embers are out.  If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave! 

Nationally, there are 12 uncontained large fires being managed under a full suppression strategy and 69 large fires managed under a strategy other than full suppression.  

Visit our website at: www.fs.usda.gov/scnf/, ‘Like Us’ on Facebook @salmonchallisnf, and ‘Follow Us’ on Twitter @salmonchallisnf.  

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The Central Idaho Dispatch Zone is at HIGH Fire Danger 

The Salmon-Challis National Forest has had two (2) new fires in the last week.  To date, there have been 51 wildfires reported on the Salmon-Challis National Forest.  45 of those reported fires are out.  

Cabin (October 16): The one (1) acre fire is located approximately 18 miles southeast of Mackay on the Lost River Ranger District.  The fire is burning in spruce and fir.  10 firefighters and helicopters are on scene working to suppress the fire.  These resources are being shared with the Cedarville Fire as the two fires are approximately ½ miles apart.  The fire is likely human caused.  

Cedarville Fire (October 16): The one (1) acre fire is located approximately 18 miles southeast of Mackay on the Lost River Ranger District.  The fire is burning in spruce and fir.  10 firefighters and helicopters are on scene working to suppress the fire.  These resources are being shared with the Cabin Fire as the two fires are approximately ½ miles apart.  The fire is likely human caused. 

Patterson Fire (September 29): The lightning fire is estimated at 100 acres.  The fire is located approximately 13 miles southeast of May on the Challis-Yankee Fork Ranger District.  The fire is burning in subalpine and Douglas fir.  The fire is under a combination of a point protection and confine and contain strategies.  This strategy focuses operations on protecting valued resources such as structures, natural resources, cultural resources, and other property.  Risk to responders and public safety is the number priority for the Patterson Fire.  

Horse Fire (September 8): The 397 acre fire was located approximately 5½ miles northwest of Corn Creek on the North Fork Ranger District in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness.  The fire is burning in lodgepole, fir, and snags is out.  

Owl Fire (September 8): The 747 acre fire was located approximately 20 miles west of North Fork on the North Fork Ranger District.  The fire, burning in grass, brush, Douglas fir, and snags is out.  

Norton (August 1):  The lightning fire is located approximately seven miles northwest of Lower Loon Creek on the Middle Fork Ranger District in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness.  The 9,069 acre fire burning in subalpine fir, Douglas fir, sagebrush, and grass is located in steep rugged terrain.  Fire activity is minimal, the fire is smoldering.  The fire is under a point protection strategy, fire managers are utilizing air resources to determine action points and assess values in the vicinity.  Fire managers continue to assess the fire using aircraft.  The fire can be found on InciWeb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8308/.  

Moose (July 17):  Friday saw a slight increase in a one acre area high within the watershed in Jesse Creek where fire climbed into the trees and torched out a ½ to 1 acre area.  Saturday, Sunday, and today, fire activity was minimal.  The fire continues to creep and smolder on the ground, consuming concentrations of ground fuels.  This fire activity is reducing the potential for extreme fire behavior and moderate high to severe burn intensity in the coming years.  Fire managers are currently balancing the risk to responders, in the steep, rugged, thickly wooded forest, which is difficult to access with threats to the Municipal Watershed.  Crews are engaging the fire where it is safe to do so and are falling trees along the Ridge and Stormy Peak roads where there is potential for trees to fall across the roadway and block access.  There has been an inversion over the fire area the last several days. This inversion holds the smoke in the drainages, not allowing it to lift and drift out of the area.  An infrared flight has been ordered and new maps will be available after the flight later this week.  Ongoing information about the fire can be found on InciWeb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8249/. 

Woodtick (July 14):  The lightning fire started as two separate fires approximately six (6) miles west, northwest of Meyers Cove on the Middle Fork Ranger District in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness.  The 9,598 acre fire burning in timber, grass, and brush is located in steep rugged terrain.  Fire activity is minimal, the fire is smoldering.  The fire is under a point protection and confine and contain strategies with risk to responders and public safety being the top priority.  The fire can be found on InciWeb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8253/. 

Wolf Fang Fire (July 13):  The 2,082 acre lightning fire was located approximately four (4) miles northeast of the confluence of Big Creek and the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness on the North Fork Ranger District.  The fire burning in spruce and fir is located in steep, rugged terrain is out.  

Weather:  Dry conditions with poor humidity recovery will persist through mid-week, with minimum humidities in the teens. Clear skies will mean unseasonably warm temperatures, with nightly inversions and a slight warming trend. A pattern change will arrive late week, as the ridge breaks down Thursday and a northwest system brings elevated winds, a drastic drop in temperatures, and rain and snow chances this weekend.  

The forest is asking visitors to be aware of the HIGH fire danger for the Salmon-Challis National Forest.  One Less Spark Means One Less Wildfire.  Never leave a campfire unattended.  Always add water, stir it, and make sure all embers are out.  If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave! 

Nationally, there are 13 uncontained large fires being managed under a full suppression strategy and 66 large fires managed under a strategy other than full suppression.  

Visit our website at: www.fs.usda.gov/scnf/, ‘Like Us’ on Facebook @salmonchallisnf, and ‘Follow Us’ on Twitter @salmonchallisnf. 

The Central Idaho Dispatch Zone is at MODERATE Fire Danger 

Salmon, Idaho- October 4, 2022- The Salmon-Challis National Forest has had one (1) new fire in the last week.  To date, there have been 48 wildfires reported on the Salmon-Challis National Forest.  41 of those reported fires are out.  

Patterson Fire (September 29): The lightning fire is estimated at 37 acres.  The fire is located approximately 13 miles southeast of May on the Challis-Yankee Fork Ranger District.  The fire is burning in subalpine and Douglas fir.  Firefighters are on scene; the fire is under a combination of a point protection and confine and contain strategies.  This strategy focuses operations on protecting valued resources such as structures, natural resources, cultural resources, and other property.  Additionally, firefighters are working to safely connect natural barriers in the area and improving access and holding feature in the area.  Risk to responders and public safety is the number priority for the Patterson Fire.  

Horse Fire (September 8): The fire, located approximately 5½ miles northwest of Corn Creek on the North Fork Ranger District in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness is estimated at 397 acres.  The fire is burning in lodgepole, fir, and snags.  The fire is being managed under a point protection strategy.  Fire activity is minimal, the fire is smoldering in the interior of the perimeter.  The fire can be found on InciWeb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8416/.  

Owl Fire (September 8): The fire, located approximately 20 miles west of North Fork on the North Fork Ranger District, is 747 acres.  The fire, burning in grass, brush, Douglas fir, and snags is 100% contained.  The fire is on InciWeb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8416/.   

Norton (August 1):  The lightning fire is located approximately seven miles northwest of Lower Loon Creek on the Middle Fork Ranger District in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness.  The 9,054 acre fire burning in subalpine fir, Douglas fir, sagebrush, and grass is located in steep rugged terrain.  Fire activity is minimal, the fire is smoldering with most of the activity on the west side of the fire.  The fire is under a point protection strategy, fire managers are utilizing air resources to determine action points and assess values in the vicinity.  Fire managers continue to assess the fire using remote cameras and aircraft.  The fire can be found on InciWeb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8308/.   

Moose (July 17):  The fire is being updated separately and can be found on InciWeb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8249/. 

Woodtick (July 14):  The lightning fire started as two separate fires approximately six (6) miles west, northwest of Meyers Cove on the Middle Fork Ranger District in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness.  The 9,598 acre fire burning in timber, grass, and brush is located in steep rugged terrain.  Fire activity is minimal, the fire is creeping.  The fire is under a point protection and confine and contain strategies with risk to responders and public safety being the top priority.  The fire can be found on InciWeb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8253/. 

Wolf Fang Fire (July 13):  The lightning fire is located approximately four (4) miles northeast of the confluence of Big Creek and the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness on the North Fork Ranger District.  The 2,082 acre fire burning in spruce and fir is located in steep, rugged terrain.  Fire activity is minimal, the fire is smoldering.  Risk to responders and public safety are the top priorities for the Wolf Fang Fire.  Due to the inaccessibility of the terrain and snag hazards a remote camera and aviation are assessing the fire daily.  The fire can be found on InciWeb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8273/.  

Weather:  Under the influence of high pressure through the weekend, warm and dry conditions will prevail through Friday with a slight cooldown expected over the weekend. Afternoon humidities will remain dry as winds stay light through the start of next week. Our next system is on track to arrive midweek next week with increased winds ahead of and during the event with chances for rain and high elevation snow. 

The forest is asking visitors to be aware of the MODERATE fire danger for the Salmon-Challis National Forest.  One Less Spark Means One Less Wildfire.  

Nationally, there are 13 uncontained large fires being managed under a full suppression strategy and 66 large fires managed under a strategy other than full suppression.  

Visit our website at: www.fs.usda.gov/scnf/, ‘Like Us’ on Facebook @salmonchallisnf, and ‘Follow Us’ on Twitter @salmonchallisnf. 

The Salmon-Challis National Forest has had three (3) new fires in the last week.  To date, there have been 47 wildfires reported on the Salmon-Challis National Forest.  41 of those reported fires are out.

Eddy Fire (September 24): The fire, located approximately 12 miles northwest of Challis on the Challis -Yankee Fork Ranger District was estimated at 0.10 acres.  The fire, burning in Douglas fir, is out.

Garfield Fire (September 23): The lightning fire, located approximately 33 miles northeast of Mackay on the Lost River Ranger District was estimated at 0.10 acres.  The fire, burning is spruce and fir, is out.

Wildhorse Fire (September 19): The lightning fire, located approximately 25 miles southwest of Mackay on the Lost River Ranger District is estimated at 0.10 acres.  The fire, burning in spruce and fir is out.

Elkhorn Fire (September 18): The lightning fire, located approximately 27 miles northwest of Salmon on the North Fork Ranger District in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, is estimated at 0.10 to 0.25 acres.  The fire, burning in grass and dead/down fuels is out.

Saw Log Fire (September 10): The lightning fire, located approximately 22 miles northwest of Challis on the Salmon-Cobalt Ranger District, is estimated at two (2) acres.  The fire, burning in timber with a litter understory is out.

Horse Fire (September 8): The fire, located approximately 5½ miles northwest of Corn Creek on the North Fork Ranger District in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness is estimated at 397 acres.  The fire is burning in lodgepole, fir, and snags.  The fire is being managed under a point protection strategy.  Fire activity is minimal, the fire is smoldering in the interior of the perimeter.  The fire can be found on InciWeb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8416/.

Owl Fire (September 8): The fire, located approximately 20 miles west of North Fork on the North Fork Ranger District, is 747 acres.  The fire, burning in grass, brush, Douglas fir, and snags is 100% contained.  The fire is on InciWeb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8416/.

Norton (August 1):  The lightning fire is located approximately seven miles northwest of Lower Loon Creek on the Middle Fork Ranger District in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness.  The 9,054 acre fire burning in subalpine fir, Douglas fir, sagebrush, and grass is located in steep rugged terrain.  Fire activity is minimal, the fire is smoldering with most of the activity on the west side of the fire.  The fire is under a point protection strategy, fire managers are utilizing air resources to determine action points and assess values in the vicinity.  Fire managers continue to assess the fire using remote cameras and aircraft.  The fire can be found on InciWeb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8308/.

Moose (July 17):  The fire is being updated separately and can be found on InciWeb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8249/.

Woodtick (July 14):  The lightning fire started as two separate fires approximately six (6) miles west, northwest of Meyers Cove on the Middle Fork Ranger District in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness.  The 9,598 acre fire burning in timber, grass, and brush is located in steep rugged terrain.  Fire activity is minimal, the fire is creeping.  The fire is under a point protection and confine and contain strategies with risk to responders and public safety being the top priority.  The fire can be found on InciWeb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8253/.

Wolf Fang Fire (July 13):  The lightning fire is located approximately four (4) miles northeast of the confluence of Big Creek and the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness on the North Fork Ranger District.  The 2,082 acre fire burning in spruce and fir is located in steep, rugged terrain.  Fire activity is minimal, the fire is smoldering.  Risk to responders and public safety are the top priorities for the Wolf Fang Fire.  Due to the inaccessibility of the terrain and snag hazards a remote camera and aviation are assessing the fire daily.  The fire can be found on InciWeb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8273/.

Weather:  High pressure today and Tuesday will support very warm and dry conditions with valley relative humidities dropping to 10-15% and poor overnight recovery at upper slopes, but light winds. A trough of low pressure will bring increasing winds but also increasing humidity and cooling temps from Wednesday through the end of the week. A few light showers may accompany this feature Wednesday night and Thursday.

The forest is asking visitors to be aware of the HIGH fire danger for the Salmon-Challis National Forest.  The U.S. Forest Service, Idaho Department of Lands, and Bureau of Land Management in east-central Idaho are in Stage 1 fire restrictions.  Stage 1 fire restrictions apply to federal, state, state endowment, private forestland and rangelands within the designated area.  One Less Spark Means One Less Wildfire.

Nationally, there are 17 uncontained large fires being managed under a full suppression strategy and 81 large fires managed under a strategy other than full suppression.

Visit our website at: www.fs.usda.gov/scnf/, ‘Like Us’ on Facebook @salmonchallisnf, and ‘Follow Us’ on Twitter @salmonchallisnf.