Forest Service News Release
 
Media Contact: Amy Baumer
(Public Affairs Officer); 208‐756‐7853
SM.FS.scnfinfo@usda.gov
Web: https://www.fs.usda.gov/scnf/
Twitter: @salmonchallisnf
Facebook: @salmonchallisnf
 
CENTRAL IDAHO DISPATCH ZONE IN EXTREME FIRE DANGER
 
Salmon, Idaho‐ July 26, 2022— Due to weather and fuel conditions, the Central Idaho Dispatch Zone has moved to EXTREME Fire Danger. In Extreme fire danger, fires start and spread quickly and burn with high intensity. Small fires can quickly become large firesand exhibit extreme fire intensity, such as long‐distance spotting and fire whirls. These fires can be difficult to control and will often become much larger and longer‐lasting fires.
 
If you are planning a camping, hiking or motorized trip please #KnowBeforeYouGo. The Central Idaho Fire Restrictions Area encompasses those portions of Custer County that are north and east of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area excluding the Frank Church River of No Return and Jim McClure‐Jerry Peak Wilderness. That portion of Lemhi County that is not federal land designated as wilderness, within the Central Idaho Dispatch Zone is in STAGE I Fire Restrictions at just after midnight (12:01 am) on Tuesday, July 26, 2022. Stage 1 fire restrictions apply to campfires and smoking. Under Stage 1 restrictions, the following acts are prohibited:

 Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire or stove fire except within a designated recreation site, or on their

own land, and only within an owner‐provided fire structure (see definition).

 Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle, building, or designated recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least

three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.
 

Order Number: 04-13-22-506

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
FOREST SERVICE
SALMON-CHALLIS NATIONAL FOREST
MIDDLE FORK RANGER DISTRICT
 
Woodtick Fire Area, Road, and Trail Closure

PROHIBITIONS: Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 CFR 261.50 (a) and (b), the following acts are prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands, roads, and trails on the Middle Fork Ranger District of the Salmon-Challis National Forest described below and shown on the attached map incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A (the “Described Area” and “Described Roads and Trails”):1. Going into or being upon the Described Area, 36 CFR 261.52(e).2. Being on the Described Roads, 36 CFR 261.54(e).3. Being on the Described Trails, 36 CFR 261.55(a).

EXEMPTIONS: Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:1. Persons with a special use authorization or other Forest Service authorization specifically exempting them from the effect of this Order; and2. Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty.

DESCRIBED AREA, ROADS, AND TRAILS:
Described Area: All NFS lands on the Middle Fork Ranger District of the Salmon-Challis National Forest in the area bounded at the junction of the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness boundary (FCRONR) and National Forest System Trail (NFST) #4128 West Fork of Camas Creek Trail, then following NFST #4128 West Fork of Camas Creek Trail to NFST #4132 Woodtick Ridge Trail, then following NFST #4132 Woodtick Ridge Trail to NFST #6044 Middle Fork River Trail, then following NFST #6044 Middle Fork River Trail to the FCRONR boundary, then following the FCRONR boundary south to the point of origin at the junction of the FCRONR boundary and NFST #4128 West Fork of Camas Creek Trail.
Described Roads and Trails:• All NFS roads (NFSR) and trails (NFST) within the Closed Area.• The entire length of NFSR #108 Silver Creek Road.

Note: The following National Forest System Roads (NFSR) and Trails (NFST) are open:• NFST #4128 West Fork of Camas Creek Trail• NFST #6044 Middle Fork River TrailPURPOSE:The purpose of this Order is to protect public health and safety from the effects of the Woodtick Fire.
 
IMPLEMENTATION:
1. This Order will be in effect from July 26, 2022 and shall remain in effect until rescinded.2. A map identifying the Closed Area is attached and made part of this Order.3. Any violation of the prohibition in this Order is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals, and $10,000 for organizations,imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. [16 U.S.C. § 551, 18U.S.C. §§ 3559, 3571, 3581].4. This Order supersedes any previous orders prohibiting the same acts covered by this Order.

Executed in Salmon, Idaho, this 27th day of July 2022
CHARLES MARK
Forest Supervisor
Salmon-Challis National Forest
Order Number: 04-13-22-506

Central Idaho Fire Restrictions Area Implements Stage I Fire Restrictions

Contacts: 

Amy Baumer Salmon-Challis National Forest, Public Affairs Officer
208-756-7853 or SM.FS.scnfinfo@usda.gov

Sharla Arledge, Idaho Department of Lands, Public Information Officer
208-334-0286 or pio@idl.idaho.gov

Fire Information, Idaho Falls District BLM, 208-524-7613

July 22, 2022

Salmon, Idaho - The U.S. Forest Service, Idaho Department of Lands, and Bureau of Land Management in east-central Idaho will begin Stage 1 fire restrictions, effective at just after midnight (12:01 am) on Tuesday, July 26, 2022. Stage 1 fire restrictions apply to federal, state, state endowment, private forestland and rangelands within the designated area.

The Central Idaho Fire Restrictions Area encompasses those portions of Custer County that are north and east of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area excluding the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness.  That portion of Lemhi County that is not federal land designated as wilderness. 

Stage 1 fire restrictions apply to campfires and smoking. Under Stage 1 restrictions, the following acts are prohibited:

1. Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire or stove fire except within a designated recreation site, or on their own land, and only within an owner-provided fire structure (see definition).'

2. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle, building, or designated recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.

Exceptions to the above Stage 1 prohibitions include the following:

1. Persons with a written permit that specifically authorizes the otherwise prohibited act.

2. Persons using a fire solely fueled by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels. Such devices, including propane campfires, may be used only in an area cleared of flammable material. Persons using a stove fire (defined in the order).

3. Persons using stove fires with a chimney of at least five (5) feet in length and employing a spark arrester with a maximum mesh screen opening of ¼ inch.

4. Persons using metal fire pans* (see definition) within ¼ mile of:

a. The Salmon River from the Corn Creek launch site to Vinegar Creek.

b. The Middle Fork of the Salmon River.

c. The Selway River from the Paradise boat launch to Race Creek.

d. The Snake River from Hells Canyon Dam to the City of Lewiston.

e. Salmon River from Vinegar Creek to its mouth at the Snake River below the mean high-water mark.

f. South Fork of the Snake River from Palisades Dam to Mike Walker Boat Access.

g. Henry’s Fork of the Snake River from St. Anthony to Mike Walker Boat Access.

*A metal fire pan with sides at least three inches high with a metal grate on top.  Pack-out of ashes is required.  Any Federal, State, or local officer or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty

Fire Pan and Ash Removal:  An approved fire pan is a durable, metal pan at least 12-inches x 12-inches wide, with at least a 3-inch lip around its outer edge and sufficient to contain a fire and its remains. Visitors must elevate fire pans off the ground to prevent scorching of the soil. If the fire pan does not have legs to elevate it, rocks must be placed underneath the corners of the fire pan. All ash must be removed and carried out of the river corridor in a sealed container or durable bag.

5. Private landowners using charcoal (disposed of properly) or propane barbecues on their own lands.

6. Persons conducting activities in those designated areas where the activity is specifically authorized by written posted notice.

7. Any federal, state, or local officer or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force, in the performance of an official duty.

Under these restrictions, campfires are allowed only in recreation sites within metal/concrete fire pits. The restrictions will remain in effect until there is a significant change in fire danger.

Fire danger across east-central Idaho is VERY HIGH.  Rangelands and forested lands at all elevations are dry.  Fire management officials are hopeful that by initiating Stage 1 fire restrictions, there will be fewer human-caused wildland fires. 

For additional information on fire restrictions, visit the fire restrictions website at www.firerestrictions.us,  www.idahofireinfo.com or https://www.idl.idaho.gov/fire-management/fire-restrictions-finder/.  

Order Number: 04-13-22-504
 UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTUREFOREST SERVICESALMON-CHALLIS NATIONAL FORESTMIDDLE FORK RANGER DISTRICT
 Woodtick Fire Area, Road, and Trail Closure
 PROHIBITIONS:Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 CFR 261.50 (a) and (b), the following acts are prohibited on theNational Forest System (NFS) lands, roads, and trails on the Middle Fork Ranger District of the Salmon-Challis National Forest described below and shown on the attached map incorporated into this Order asExhibit A (the “Described Area” and “Described Roads and Trails”):1. Going into or being upon the Described Area, 36 CFR 261.52(e).2. Being on the Described Roads, 36 CFR 261.54(e).3. Being on the Described Trails, 36 CFR 261.55(a).
 EXEMPTIONS:Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:1. Persons with a special use authorization or other Forest Service authorization specificallyexempting them from the effect of this Order; and2. Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force inthe performance of an official duty.
 DESCRIBED AREA, ROADS, AND TRAILS:Described Area: All NFS lands on the Middle Fork Ranger District of the Salmon-Challis NationalForest in the area bounded at the junction of the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness boundary(FCRONR) and National Forest System Trail (NFST) #4128 West Fork of Camas Creek Trail, thenfollowing NFST #4128 West Fork of Camas Creek Trail to NFST #4132 Woodtick Ridge Trail, thenfollowing NFST #4132 Woodtick Ridge Trail to NFST #6044 Middle Fork River Trail, then followingNFST #6044 Middle Fork River Trail to the FCRONR boundary, then following the FCRONR boundarysouth to the point of origin at the junction of the FCRONR boundary and NFST #4128 West Fork ofCamas Creek Trail.Described Roads and Trails: All NFS roads (NFSR) and trails (NFST) within the Closed Area.Note: The following National Forest System Roads (NFSR) and Trails (NFST) are open: NFST #4128 West Fork of Camas Creek Trail NFST #6044 Middle Fork River Trail
 PURPOSE:The purpose of this Order is to protect public health and safety from the effects of the Woodtick Fire.
 IMPLEMENTATION:1. This Order will be in effect from immediately and shall remain in effect until rescinded.2. A map identifying the Closed Area is attached and made part of this Order.3. Any violation of the prohibition in this Order is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000for individuals, and $10,000 for organizations,imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. [16 U.S.C. § 551, 18U.S.C. §§ 3559, 3571, 3581].4. This Order supersedes any previous orders prohibiting the same acts covered by this Order.
Executed in Salmon, Idaho, this 23rd day of July 2022 

CHARLES MARKForest SupervisorSalmon-Challis National ForestOrder Number: 04-13-22-504

After multiple attempts to fight this fire direct, firefighters determined that the risk was ultimately to great and the Forest changed strategies to a combination of “point protection” and “confine and contain”.  The Woodtick fire has had favorable conditions the last few days thus resulting in a moderated fire intensity with minimal growth.  Fire behavior has been reported as creeping and smoldering with some isolated torching, resulting in short range spotting. 

Yesterday, firefighters received a large number of supplies and were quickly able to install pumps, hoses and sprinklers around structures in Red Spar, Camas Creek Ranch, Lost Springs CG, Silver Creek Historic Cabins, the Silver Creek Estates and Ramshorn Estates.  Firefighters were also able to work with landowners to reduce fuel loading around structures and help to coach them on being Firewise.  For more information about being Firewise, please check out the National Fire Protection Associations website: NFPA - Firewise USA®

Evacuation Information: Lemhi County Sheriff’s Office has announced an evacuation Status for residents at Camas Creek. They are now in a GO status, which means immediate evacuation is necessary. Residents at Castle Creek and Sliver Creek, including Ramshorn Creek are in READY status, meaning they should prepare for the possibility of evacuation. Latest updates for Moose Creek Fire and Wood Tick updated 8:49am 07/25 | Lemhi County, ID (lemhicountyidaho.org)

Weather:  A fire weather watch is in effect over the fire area from Thursday afternoon thru Thursday evening.

The Woodtick Fire continues to slowly back its way downslope.  Risk to responders and public safety is the number one priority for the fire.  After multiple attempts to go direct on the fire where crews were unable to effectively engage due to safety concerns, the Forest has switched strategies and is using a combination of point protection and confine and contain strategies. 
 Isolated torching, rolling debris and short-range spotting caused minimal growth to the fire yesterday. Most of the spread was to the south into the Martindale Creek area and to the West. 

Weather:  High pressure over the Great Basin will continue the hot and dry weather into Wednesday afternoon.  There is now, however, 
a slight threat of thunderstorms starting due to a weak low moving through the northern Rockies.  The best chances for thunderstorms 
and increased winds are on Thursday.  The high returns for the weekend, making temperatures soar to near records.

The Woodtick Fire is burning in steep, rugged terrain with hazards that include snags and a potential for rolling debris.  Risk to responders and public safety is the number one priority for the fire.  After multiple attempts to go direct on the fire and crews being unable to effectively engage due to safety reasons, the Forest has switched strategies and is using a combination of point protection and confine and contain strategies. 

A point protection strategy is a wildfire response strategy which protects specific assets or highly valued resources from the wildfire without directly halting the continued spread of the wildfire.   

A confine and contain strategy is when firefighters will implement response actions (e.g. line construction, burn-out, bucket drops, etc.) to connect natural barriers in the area.  The confine and contain strategy attempt to restrict the wildfire to a defined area, to the extent possible, by using natural barriers augmented by response actions. 

Residents at Lower Camas Creek are in GO status, which means immediate evacuation is necessary. 

Residents at Castle Creek, Silver Creek and Camas Creek, including Ramshorn Creek are in READY status, meaning they should prepare for the possibility of evacuation.
 
Latest updates for Moose Creek Fire and Wood Tick updated 8:49am 07/25 | Lemhi County, ID (lemhicountyidaho.org) 

The Central Idaho Dispatch Zone is at VERY HIGH Fire Danger

On InciWeb @ https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8253/

Date of Detection: July 14, 2022

Current Size (estimated):  1,434 acres

Location: six (6) miles west northwest of the Meyers Cove in

the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness

on the Middle Fork Ranger District. 

Cause: lightning

Fuels: lodgepole pine and Douglas and sub-alpine fir

Resources on Fire: 55 

Type II Crew: 2

The Woodtick fire is burning in steep, rugged terrain with hazards including snags and a potential for rolling debris.  Risk to responders and public safety is the number one priority for the fire.  After multiple attempts to go direct on the fire and crews being unable effectively engage due to safety reasons, the Forest has switched strategies and is using a combination of a point protection strategy and a confine and contain strategy on the fire.  

A point protection strategy is a wildfire response strategy which protects specific assets or highly valued resources from the wildfire without directly halting the continued spread of the wildfire.  

A confine and contain strategy is, when safe to do so, firefighters will implement response actions (e.g. line construction, burn-out, bucket drops, etc.) to connect natural barriers in the area.  The confine and contain strategy attempts to restrict the wildfire to a defined area, to the extent possible, by using natural barriers augmented by response actions. 

Yesterday, fire spread to was to the west towards Camas Creek.  The increase in fire activity was mainly due to strong winds impacting the fire area and an increase in fuel loading and strong downslope nighttime winds.  Sustained crown runs, short range spotting and isolated torching was observed. 

Crews are identifying values at risk and will begin to prepare those values for defense and initiate a point protection as fire conditions require action.  Values at risk are defined as property, structures, physical improvements, natural and cultural resources, community infrastructure, and economic, environmental, and social values.  Crews are assessing fire growth and are preparing to implement response actions when appropriate.  

Weather:  Predominant northerly and westerly flow will keep temperatures near normal with continued very dry countdowns and a slight chance for afternoon thunderstorms along the Montana border.  Wind gusts and humidities will approach critical thresholds today with localized areas exceeding those thresholds. Temperatures hold steady through Monday with lighter winds Monday through Wednesday. Above normal temperatures return Tuesday with continued dry conditions. 

The forest is asking visitors to be aware of the VERY HIGH fire danger for the Salmon-Challis National Forest.  Forest officials are asking the public to be extremely careful when recreating on the Forest and to remember that it’s your job and responsibility to properly maintain and extinguish all campfires.  Due to current weather and fuel conditions it’s especially imperative for the public to be judicious with campfires.  We can all make a difference in reducing human-caused fires during this season.  If it is too hot to touch, it is too hot to leave!  Remember, One Less Spark Means One Less Wildfire.  

Nationally, there are 24 uncontained large fires being managed under a full suppression strategy and 103large 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 VERY HIGH Fire Danger
On InciWeb:@ https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8253/ Date of Detection: July 14, 2022 Current Size (estimated):  124 acres  Location: six (6) miles west northwest of the Meyers Cove in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness on the Middle Fork Ranger District.   Cause: lightning Fuels: lodgepole pine and fir Resources on Fire: 54
Type II Crew:2
Type I Helicopters: 2

The Woodtick Fire is burning in steep, rugged terrain with hazards including snags and a potential for rolling debris.  Risk to responders and public safety is the number one priority for the fire.  The Forest is using a combination of a point protection strategy and a confine and contain strategy on the fire.  A point protection strategy is a wildfire response strategy which protects specific assets or highly valued resources from the wildfire without directly halting the continued spread of the wildfire.  A confine and contain strategy is, when safe to do so, firefighters will implement response actions (e.g. line construction, burn-out, bucket drops, etc.) to connect natural barriers in the area.  The confine and contain strategy attempts to restrict the wildfire to a defined area, to the extent possible, by using natural barriers augmented by response actions.  

Yesterday, active fire behavior was observed with uphill runs, short crown runs, and torching.  Smoke was visible from the community of Challis to the short, uphill crown runs.  

Crews are identifying values at risk and will begin to prepare those values for defense and initiate a point protection as fire conditions require action.  Values at risk are defined as property, structures, physical improvements, natural and cultural resources, community infrastructure, and economic, environmental, and social values.  Crews are assessing fire growth and are preparing to implement response actions when appropriate.  

Weather:  ...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM TO 9 PM MDT FRIDAY FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY...   Ahead of the ridge breaking down Friday, expect very poor humidity recovery overnight at higher elevations.  As the ridge breaks down Friday, stronger winds develop from mid-morning through the evening hours. The combination of higher winds and low humidity will lead to widespread critical fire conditions.  While not likely, we may see a few afternoon dry storms form mainly along the Montana border.  For the weekend, we will see gusty winds continue at ridgetop along with low humidity, including poor recovery at higher elevations.

The forest is asking visitors to be aware of the VERY HIGH fire danger for the Salmon-Challis National Forest.  Forest officials are asking the public to be extremely careful when recreating on the Forest and to remember that it’s your job and responsibility to properly maintain and extinguish all campfires.  Due to current weather and fuel conditions it’s especially imperative for the public to be judicious with campfires.  We can all make a difference in reducing human-caused fires during this season.  If it is too hot to touch, it is too hot to leave!  Remember, One Less Spark Means One Less Wildfire.  

Nationally, there are 29 uncontained large fires being managed under a full suppression strategy and 99 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. ####