The boat launch at Spring Creek on the Salmon River is now open. This is a popular launch spot for a 10-mile day stretch with Class III rapids and a take out at Cove Creek. Please drive slowly and carefully in route and on the shuttle between launch and takeout, as you must share the road with firefighters

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management

Notice of Temporary Closure for Wildfire Suppression Efforts on Public Lands in Lemhi County, ID

AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior.
ACTION: Notice of Temporary Closure for Wildfire Suppression Efforts

SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that the Morgan Bar Campground and Boat Launch administered by the Salmon Field Office, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will be Temporarily Closed to entry by members of the public.

DATES: This Closure will be in effect from noon on August 8, 2022, until emergency firefighting operations cease.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Linda Price, Salmon Field Manager, (208) 756-5410. Persons who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877-8339 to contact the above individual during normal business hours. The FIRS is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to leave a message or question with the above individual. You will receive a reply during normal hours.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This closure affects the Morgan Bar Campground in Lemhi County, Idaho. The legal description of the affected public lands is T22N R22E Section 7. The Temporary Closure is necessary to provide protection to visitors from the current fire safety hazards related to a Mobile Retardant Base located on the southern portion of the campground.

This closure will be posted at the Salmon Field Office and signs with the closure will be posted at the campground entrance.

The following persons are exempt from this order: Federal, state, and local officers and employees in the performance of their official duties; members of organized rescue or fire-fighting forces in the performance of their official duties; and persons with written authorization from the BLM.

Linda R. Price Field Manager Salmon Field Office

AUTHORITY: 43 CFR Section 9212.2

 Moose Fire Daily Update                                                         August 8, 2022

 Moose Fire Virtual Community Meeting Tuesday, August 9, 2022 6:00pm MDT
Fire managers and local agency cooperators from the Moose Fire will present current fire information and updates
The meeting will be held via Facebook Live Event https://www.facebook.com/salmonchallisnf

 Moose Fire Daily Update

August 7, 2022 

Fire Information: 208-742-6690 daily from 6 a.m. - 10 p.m. Email: 2022.moose@firenet.gov 

Salmon-Challis National Forest Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/salmonchallisnf 

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8249/ 

68,353 acres, Contained 16%, Human caused; under investigation  

    West and south of North Fork, Idaho – Pine Creek and Stormy Peak areas 

Grass/Brush/Timber 

Spotty rain fell across the Moose Fire yesterday morning bringing as much as a quarter of an inch to some areas of the fire while other areas received only a trace. The cloud cover and moisture brought cooler temperatures and higher relative humidity diminishing fire behavior for most of the day. Firefighters were able to take advantage of the moderated conditions to strengthen containment lines and improve structure protection.  

A warm and dry weather pattern is expected to move back into the area for the next few days bringing light winds. Increased fire behavior is expected to resume. The fire will continue to move in very steep, inaccessible terrain. Firefighters will look for opportunities to corral fire movement and to develop plans to hold the fire in strategic locations. Incident managers continue to focus work on protecting private property, the Salmon Municipal Watershed, the powerline, and other infrastructure. 

Heavy equipment and aviation assets including unmanned aircraft systems will continue to be critical tools to support the fire suppression and preparation efforts. Crews will maintain a patrol of areas along the Salmon River Road and Highway 93, taking action on hotspots as necessary to secure the line. 

Today crews will be supported by chippers and other equipment as they work to strengthen fuel breaks along the Panther Creek Road, the Ridge Road and the powerline that feeds the Blackbird Mine, Cobalt and Leesburg for use as contingency lines. Night operations will continue patrols and use aerial ignition using drones for strategic firing operations. 

EVACUATIONS and SHELTER: There have been no changes to evacuation status around the fire. Residents from Tower Creek to North Fork remain in a “SET” status. Residents from Squaw Creek to Pine Creek on the Salmon Road are also in “SET” status. All other zones are in “Ready” status. The latest updates can be found at https://www.lemhicountyidaho.org/site-home/urgent-alerts/latest-updates-moose-creek-fire.   

CLOSURES AND RESTRICTIONS: The Salmon-Challis National Forest has issued a closure order for the Moose Fire Emergency Area, Road, and Trail Closure, Order #04-13-22-506. Lands north of Salmon River Road are open and the Salmon River Road is open to two-way traffic from North Fork to Spring Creek. Details and a closure map can be found at https://bit.ly/3BotHEf. The portion of Salmon River Road from Spring Creek west to Panther Creek is closed but continues to be managed by a pilot car system for residents, river permit holders, and river shuttles. The main Salmon River is now open to rafters from North Fork to the west side of the fire. PLEASE STAY OUT OF THE FIRE AREA NORTH OF THE SALMON RIVER FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY.  

Stage 1 Fire restrictions are in effect on the Salmon-Challis National Forest, BLM and State of Idaho lands in Custer and Lemhi Counties, excluding wilderness areas.  A temporary flight restriction is in place over the fire area; see https://tfr.faa.gov. 

TOTAL FIRE RESOURCES ASSIGNED 

Personnel 

1276 

Hand Crews 

34 

Engines 

63 

Helicopters 

4 Type 1; 2 Type 2; 4 Type 3 

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

Moose Fire Daily Update                                                         August 6, 2022

Fire Information: 208-742-6690 daily from 6 a.m. - 10 p.m.            Email: 2022.moose@firenet.gov

Salmon-Challis National Forest Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/salmonchallisnf

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8249/
 

Contained 14%        Human caused;     under investigation 68,166 acresWest and south of North Fork, Idaho – Pine Creek and Stormy Peak areasGrass/Brush/Timber

  

 The Salmon-Challis National Forest has issued an updated closure order. Lands north of Salmon River Road are now open and the River Road is open to two-way traffic from North Fork to Spring Creek. The portion of Salmon River Road from Spring Creek west to Panther Creek continues to be managed by a pilot car system for residents, river permit holders, and river shuttles. This section of the road is closed to all other traffic and could be closed to all traffic at times due to increased fire behavior south of the road. The main Salmon River is now open to rafters from North Fork to the west side of the fire. With the opening of the River Road and Salmon River, firefighting resources are sharing the road with recreation traffic. Please drive with extreme caution! Even though it is contained, PLEASE STAY OUT OF THE FIRE AREA NORTH OF THE SALMON RIVER FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY.

Since Thursday afternoon’s windy conditions, the weather on the Moose Fire has been more favorable for firefighters, with lighter winds, cooler temperatures, and higher humidity levels. Moderate winds are expected today, with cloudy skies, and a 30% chance of light precipitation. A few thunderstorms are possible in the morning, with clearing expected in the afternoon. Fire behavior will remain moderate this morning but could pick up in the afternoon, with clearing and a change in wind direction from the northwest.Active fire is burning north of Copper Mountain in the Pine Creek drainage where it continues to move to the west and south. Crews remained in the Pine Creek area to provide protection to the Pine Creek Ranch as the fire is now on both sides of the drainage.Elsewhere on the fire, firefighters continue to take advantage of the moderating fire behavior to extend and strengthen containment lines. Additional staff and equipment reinforced hand crews working on the west side of the fire in Pine Creek and Panther Creek. Firefighters are using chainsaws and chippers to thin fuels on both sides of the Panther Creek Road to aid as a future control line. Crews improved and strengthened direct containment line around the 100-acre spot fire that slopped over the ridge south of the Diamond Line Tuesday afternoon and continue to use water to cool hot spots and secure the fire edge in the area. Given potential for the fire to move to the south in steep terrain, heavy equipment crews are working to strengthen fuel breaks and remove log decks along the Ridge Road (Forest Road 020), Williams Creek Road, and the powerline west to the mine in Leesburg. Engine crews continue to assess and protect structures in Panther Creek, Pine Creek, Shoup, and Leesburg areas, and along Highway 93. At night, when weather conditions moderate fire behavior, crews are enjoying considerable success using drones to assist burnout operations, locate spot fires, and monitor fire behavior.EVACUATIONS and SHELTER: There have been no changes to evacuation status around the fire. The Lemhi County Sheriff has placed Zones 1 & 2, including Highway 93 from Carmen to North Fork, and Zones 7 & 8, Squaw Creek to Pine Creek on the Salmon River Rd to "SET" status. All other zones are in “Ready” status. The latest updates can be found at https://www.lemhicountyidaho.org/site-home/urgent-alerts/latest-updates-moose-creek-fire.  A shelter is available at the Salmon Valley Baptist Church (1230 Cemetery Street; Phone: 208-756-3324) and can assist with placement of pets.CLOSURES AND RESTRICTIONS: The Salmon‐Challis National Forest has implemented the Moose Fire Emergency Area, Road, and Trail Closure, Order #04-13-22-506. Details and a closure map can be found at https://bit.ly/3BotHEf. Stage 1 Fire restrictions are in effect on the Salmon-Challis National Forest, BLM and State of Idaho lands in Custer and Lemhi Counties, excluding wilderness areas.  A temporary flight restriction is in place in the fire area; see https://tfr.faa.gov.

TOTAL FIRE RESOURCES ASSIGNED

Personnel

1036

Hand Crews

28

Engines

47

Helicopters

4 Type 1; 2 Type 2; 4 Type 3

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

 MOOSE FIRE EMERGENCY AREA, ROAD, AND TRAIL CLOSURE REDUCED

AUGUST 5, 2022

  
Effective August 6, 2022, at 6:00 a.m., the Salmon‐Challis National Forest has implemented the Moose Fire Emergency Area, Road, and Trail Closure, Order Number: 04‐13‐22‐506.   

Description of Closed Area, Roads, and Trails (#04‐13‐22‐506):   

Described Area:  All NFS lands on the North Fork and Salmon‐Cobalt Ranger Districts of the Salmon‐Challis National Forest in the area bounded at the junction of the Salmon‐Challis National Forest boundary and National Forest System Road (NFSR) #021 Williams Creek Road, then following NFSR #021 Williams Creek Road to NFSR #101 Deep Creek Road, then following NFSR #101 Deep Creek Road to NFSR #055 Morgan/Panther Creek Road, then following NFSR #055 Morgan/Panther Creek Road to NFSR #030 Salmon River Road, then following NFSR #030 Salmon River Road east to U.S Highway 93 intersection , then following U.S. Highway 93 south approximately three miles to the Salmon‐Challis National Forest boundary, then following the Salmon‐Challis National Forest Boundary south to the point of origin at the junction of the Salmon‐Challis National Forest boundary and NFSR #021 Williams Creek Road.

Described Roads and Trails: All NFS roads (NFSR) and trails (NFST) within the Closed Area.
Note:  The main Salmon River is open.  The following National Forest System Roads (NFSR) and Trails (NFST) are open:
• NFSR #055 Morgan/Panther Creek Road.
• NFSR #021 Williams Creek Road
• NFSR #101 Deep Creek Road
• NFSR #030 Salmon River Road from U.S Highway 93 west to Spring Creek

The following NFSR are closed:
 NFSR #030 Salmon River Road from Spring Creek west to NFSR #055 Morgan/Panther Creek Road

The purpose of this order is to protect public health and safety from the effects of the Moose Fire.

This Order will be in effect from August 6th and shall remain in effect until rescinded   

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

 MOOSE FIRE EMERGENCY AREA, ROAD, AND TRAIL CLOSURE REDUCED

AUGUST 5, 2022

The Central Idaho Dispatch Zone is at EXTREME Fire Danger

CENTRAL IDAHO FIRE RESTRICTIONS AREA IS IN STAGE I FIRE RESTRICTIONS

 Effective August 6, 2022, at 6:00 a.m., the Salmon‐Challis National Forest has implemented the Moose Fire Emergency Area, Road, and Trail Closure, Order Number: 04‐13‐22‐506. 

Description of Closed Area, Roads, and Trails (#04-13-22-506): 

Described Area:  All NFS lands on the North Fork and Salmon-Cobalt Ranger Districts of the Salmon-Challis National Forest in the area bounded at the junction of the Salmon-Challis National Forest boundary and National Forest System Road (NFSR) #021 Williams Creek Road, then following NFSR #021 Williams Creek Road to NFSR #101 Deep Creek Road, then following NFSR #101 Deep Creek Road to NFSR #055 Morgan/Panther Creek Road, then following NFSR #055 Morgan/Panther Creek Road to NFSR #030 Salmon River Road, then following NFSR #030 Salmon River Road east to U.S Highway 93 intersection , then following U.S. Highway 93 south approximately three miles to the Salmon-Challis National Forest boundary, then following the Salmon-Challis National Forest Boundary south to the point of origin at the junction of the Salmon-Challis National Forest boundary and NFSR #021 Williams Creek Road.

Described Roads and Trails: All NFS roads (NFSR) and trails (NFST) within the Closed Area.

Note:  The main Salmon River is open.  The following National Forest System Roads (NFSR) and Trails (NFST) are open:

• NFSR #055 Morgan/Panther Creek Road.
• NFSR #021 Williams Creek Road
• NFSR #101 Deep Creek Road
• NFSR #030 Salmon River Road from U.S Highway 93 west to Spring Creek

The following NFSR are closed:

• NFSR #030 Salmon River Road from Spring Creek west to NFSR #055 Morgan/Panther Creek Road

The purpose of this order is to protect public health and safety from the effects of the Moose Fire.

This Order will be in effect from August 6th and shall remain in effect until rescinded  

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

 Moose Fire Daily Update

August 5, 2022 

Fire Information: 208-742-6690 daily from 6 a.m. - 10 p.m. Email: 2022.moose@firenet.gov 

Salmon-Challis National Forest Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/salmonchallisnf 

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8249/ 

67,466 acres, Contained 11% Human caused; under investigation

West and south of North Fork, Idaho – Pine Creek and Stormy Peak areas 

Grass/Brush/Timber  

Steep terrain and extremely dry fuel conditions continue to pose challenges for firefighters. Lighter winds from the west are expected today, with high temperatures ranging from the mid-80s to 90 degrees. More favorable weather with lighter winds are forecast for the next few days, and firefighters hope to take advantage of the moderating fire behavior to extend and strengthen containment lines. 

While winds yesterday were less intense than expected, gusts exceeded 40-mph and temporarily grounded air operations. Very active fire behavior was observed in the Jackass Ridge and Daily Creek areas. The fire burned actively in heavy timber north of and well inside the Diamond Line, creating the large column of smoke visible from Salmon in the afternoon. 

Ground crews made good progress toward containment of a problematic 100-acre spot fire that slopped over the ridge south of the Diamond Line and Ridge Road. Crews created direct line around it, installed hose lays and portable tanks, and are using water to cool hot spots. On the west side of the fire, hand crews created fire line in the Copper Mountain area, connecting Pine and Panther Creek drainages. Heavy equipment crews are working to strengthen fuel breaks along the Ridge Road and Williams Creek Road and along the powerline to Leesburg. Engine crews continue to assess and protect structures in Panther Creek, Pine Creek, Shoup, and Leesburg areas, and along Highway 93. At night, when weather conditions moderate fire behavior, crews are using drones to assist in burnout operations and monitor fire behavior in the Diamond Creek area, north of Carmen and west of the Highway 93 Corridor. 

The Pilot Car System on Salmon River Road continues to operate with two-way traffic between North Fork and Panther Creek, with a pilot car on both ends. Be prepared for potential temporary delays through the fire area. The pilot car system is for residents, river permit holders and river shuttles.  The road is closed to all other traffic. Alternative route: Williams Creek Rd (021) to Deep Creek Rd (101), then north on Panther Creek Rd (055). Stay on the most traveled roadway. This route is long and unpaved, and drivers should be prepared for heavy mining and recreation traffic, including semi-trucks and vehicles with trailers.  

EVACUATIONS and SHELTER: The Lemhi County Sheriff has placed Zones 1 & 2 (both sides of Highway 93 from Carmen to North Fork) and Zones 7 & 8 (Squaw Creek to Pine Creek on the Salmon River Rd) are at "SET" status. All other zones are in “Ready” status. The latest updates from the Lemhi County Sheriff’s Office can be found at https://www.lemhicountyidaho.org/site-home/urgent-alerts/latest-updates-moose-creek-fire. The fire remains very active and all residents in proximity of the fire should follow the Ready!Set!Go! guidance. A shelter is available at the Salmon Valley Baptist Church (1230 Cemetery Street; Phone: 208-756-3324) and can assist with placement of pets.  

CLOSURES AND RESTRICTIONS: The Salmon‐Challis National Forest has implemented the Moose Fire Emergency Area, Road, and Trail Closure, Order #04‐13‐22‐505. Details and a closure map can be found at https://bit.ly/3BotHEf. Stage 1 Fire restrictions are in effect in East Central Idaho on the Salmon-Challis National Forest, BLM and State of Idaho lands in Custer and Lemhi Counties, excluding wilderness areas. A temporary flight restriction is in place in the fire area; see https://tfr.faa.gov. 

TOTAL FIRE RESOURCES ASSIGNED 

Personnel 

1060 

Hand Crews 

26 

Engines 

51 

Helicopters 

4 Type 1; 2 Type 2; 4 Type 3 

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

Moose Fire Daily Update                                                         August 4, 2022

Fire Information: 208-742-6690 daily from 6 a.m. - 10 p.m.            Email: 2022.moose@firenet.gov

Salmon-Challis National Forest Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/salmonchallisnf

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8249/

        Human caused; under investigation 64,078 acres, 20% contained, West and south of North Fork, Idaho – Pine Creek and Stormy Peak areas, Grass/Brush/Timber

  There will be an in-person community meeting tonight at 6pm, held outdoors at the Sacajawea Center Amphitheater, 2700 Main Street in Salmon. The meeting will also be streamed on Facebook if connectivity permits.
 
 The Moose Fire is burning in very steep, hazardous terrain that has been historically dangerous for firefighters. Warm, windy, dry weather and extremely dry fuel conditions continue to produce active fire behavior and fire growth. The National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning from 12:00 PM today through 9:00 PM for the fire area due to gusty winds and low relative humidity. Winds from the southwest could gust as high as 48 mph. Expect temperatures across most of the fire area to range from 80°F to 90°F, with a slight chance of afternoon thunderstorms and scattered showers later today, potentially accompanied by gusty, erratic winds, and dry lightning. Firefighters expect to face very active fire behavior. Fire is likely to spread quickly, especially in areas where the winds align with topography.

 Very active fire behavior was observed yesterday in the Jackass Ridge and Daily Creek Areas. Supported by water and retardant drops, yesterday ground crews focused suppression efforts on a 100-acre spot fire south of the Diamond Line and Ridge Road. Air tankers also dropped fire retardant yesterday evening to assist ground crews to secure the fire that slopped over the ridge before the cold front passes through the area. Crews today are scouting, assessing, and creating containment plans in the rugged terrain on the south and western sides of the fire. Crews continue to assess and protect structures in Panther Creek, Pine Creek, Shoup, and Leesburg areas, and along Highway 93. Further south, firefighters are working to strengthen fuel breaks along the Ridge Road and Williams Creek Road.

 The Pilot Car System on Salmon River Road continues to operate with two-way traffic between North Fork and Panther Creek, with a pilot car on both ends. Be prepared for potential temporary delays through the fire area. The pilot car system is for residents, river permit holders and river shuttles.  The road is closed to all other traffic. Alternative route: Williams Creek Rd (021) to Deep Creek Rd (101), then north on Panther Creek Rd (055). Stay on the most traveled roadway. This route is long and unpaved, and drivers should be prepared for heavy mining and recreation traffic, including semi-trucks and vehicles with trailers.
 
 EVACUATIONS and SHELTER: The Lemhi County Sheriff has placed Zone 2 (both sides of Highway 93 from Tower Creek to North Fork) in “SET” evacuation status. Zones 7 & 8 (Squaw Creek to Pine Creek on the Salmon River Rd) and Zone 1 (Tower Creek to Carmen, west of Salmon River) are at "SET" status. All other zones are in “Ready” status. The latest updates from the Lemhi County Sheriff’s Office can be found at https://www.lemhicountyidaho.org/site-home/urgent-alerts/latest-updates-moose-creek-fire. The fire remains very active and all residents in proximity of the fire should follow the Ready!Set!Go! guidance. A shelter is available at the Salmon Valley Baptist Church (1230 Cemetery Street; Phone: 208-756-3324) and can assist with placement of pets.

 CLOSURES AND RESTRICTIONS: The Salmon‐Challis National Forest has implemented the Moose Fire Emergency Area, Road, and Trail Closure, Order #04‐13‐22‐505. Details and a closure map can be found at https://bit.ly/3BotHEf. Stage 1 Fire restrictions are in effect in East Central Idaho on the Salmon-Challis National Forest, BLM and State of Idaho lands in Custer and Lemhi Counties, excluding wilderness areas. A temporary flight restriction is in place in the fire area; see https://tfr.faa.gov.

TOTAL FIRE RESOURCES ASSIGNED

Personnel

1033

Hand Crews

25

Engines

46

Helicopters

4 Type 1; 2 Type 2; 4 Type 4

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