Moose Fire Daily Update

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/ 
 
 
48,534 acres, 21% contained. Human caused, under investigation. Vicinity of North Fork, Idaho and along the Salmon River. Grass, brush, and timber fuels. 

The Moose Fire began on July 17th near the confluence of Moose Creek and the Salmon River. The U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement and Investigations Unit has determined the Moose Fire to be human caused. The specific cause and events leading up to the fire are still under investigation.  

The region continues in extreme fire danger as hot and dry conditions continued over the fire yesterday with light winds. Relative humidity minimums were some of the lowest seen over the past 2 weeks. Fire behavior was active in the afternoon and into the late evening. Due to the high mortality of trees on the west side of fire, the fire front is advancing up to a mile a day. The east side of the fire continued to move south and has crossed into Comet Gulch.   

Today we will see hotter temperatures and lower relative humidity. Combined with WNW winds we may see significant fire growth. Moisture moving into the region will bring cumulus clouds. Some of the clouds could interact with the fire to create pyrocumulus clouds which may allow the fire to create its own weather for short periods. These clouds and smoke from this fire and from a new fire start in Northern California may moderate this activity by shading the fuels. 

Ongoing efforts to protect structures in the Pine Creek area, along Highway 93, and in the Panther Creek area continue. Installation and improvement of water handling equipment along our large indirect containment line continues along the Ridge Road. Farther to the south, firefighters are continuing to improve holding lines along the Williams Creek Road.   

The Pilot Car System on Salmon River Road is scheduled to run as normal, but with potential for temporary delays.  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:  The Lemhi County Sheriff has placed Zone 2 (both sides of Highway 93 from Tower Creek to North Fork) in “GO” 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.  

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 area. 
 
 

TOTAL FIRE RESOURCES ASSIGNED: 973 personnel, 23 hand crews, 61 engines. Helicopters: four type 1, two type 2, three 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

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/ 
 
 
45,113 acres, 17% contained, cause undetermined. West of North Fork, Idaho. Grass, brush and timber fuels. 

Thunderstorms passed over the fire area yesterday and brought increased fire activity, but fortunately fire spread in critical areas of the fire was kept to a minimum.  Along the Highway 93 corridor firefighters continued to reinforce containment lines in the Diamond Creek drainage and completed a 6-mile hose lay that will assist firefighters in holding actions if the fire continues to move south.  Fire activity continued in the late evening in Bobcat Gulch and in Comet Gulch.  On the western side of the fire, the fire burned around the Shoup store and to the base of Pine Creek.  Structure protection measures prevented the loss of buildings in the Shoup area.  Growth of the fire was farther up the Pine Creek drainage as the fire continued to move to the southeast.   

The focus for today’s efforts continues to be concentrated on structure protection along Highway 93 and a concerted effort in Diamond Creek (referred to as the Diamond Line), as the primary holding line to prevent the fire from moving farther south.  Burning out of fuels along the Diamond Line may be necessary if the fire continues in a southern direction.  On the western edge, where fire has met the 2000 Clear Creek Fire, firefighters are working up the Panther Creek Drainage to reinforce containment lines that were improved during the Mud Lick Fire last year. Farther to the south, firefighters are continuing to improve holding lines along the Williams Creek Road.  Today’s fire weather does not bring thunderstorms over the area, but hot and dry conditions will continue making fuels more susceptible to active burning conditions. 

Please be aware that there is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) over the fire area. Recreational drones are not allowed in the TFR. Drone operations pose a significant risk to aerial operations and firefighters. If you fly, we can’t.  
 

The Pilot Car System on Salmon River Road is scheduled to run as normal, but with potential for temporary delays.  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:  The Lemhi County Sheriff has placed Zone 2 (both sides of Highway 93 from Tower Creek to North Fork) in “GO” 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.  

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 area. 
 
 
 TOTAL FIRE RESOURCES ASSIGNED: 934 personnel, 21 hand crews, 61 engines; helicopters: four type 1, two type 2, three 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. 

Special Statement
Idaho DEQ has issued an air quality alert for Lemhi County until Monday at 3 pm.

Fire
Active fire behavior is expected the next two days. West-northwesterly winds will promote large group-tree torching/spotting near Pine Creek and active surface fires near the Moose Creek Drainage. Near the US93 corridor, scattered areas of surface and group-tree torching is expected below Napoleon Ridge. Additional information on the Moose Fire is available at: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8249/

Smoke
Although afternoon smoke has returned to the Salmon River Valley, vigorous daytime mixing will help reduce its impact. Overall, MODERATE to UNHEALTHY for SENSITIVE GROUPS conditions are expected over much of the Outlook area. Areas upwind of the fire, such as North Fork, Cobalt, and Williams Lake should experience mostly GOOD conditions. However, air quality in the UNHEALTHY range may occur briefly this afternoon from Carmen to Lemhi.

Special Statement
Lemhi County under an Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups Until 3:00 PM MDT Friday July 29

Fire
Continued unstable air will dominate Central Idaho today, causing active fire edges to grow quickly and produce very visible smoke columns. Increasing west winds this afternoon will push fire growth from Eagles Nest area towards Point of Rock. This area is burning in heavy downed fuels and standing dead timber.

Smoke
Highest concentrations of smoke will continue to fill the drainages West and South of the fire area today. Expect the high level smoke drifting towards Lemhi to shift back into the hwy 93 corridor today with occasional surface level pulses of moderate to USG conditions. Very visible smoke plumes will emerge again today, as unstable air and WNW winds support large fire growth. Potential for pulses of USG to surface in the valley in the late afternoon. Thunderstorm activity near the fire may cause gusty outflow winds, pushing smoke in multiple directions.

 Moose Fire Daily Update

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/ 
 

43,226 acres, 15% contained, cause undetermined. West of North Fork, Idaho. Grass, brush and timber fuels. 

A Red Flag Warning is in effect today for potential thunderstorms and dry lightning arriving as early as 2:00 p.m., increasing chances of erratic fire behavior. Wind gusts may reach 40 mph. 

Containment has increased on the northwest side of the fire from the Ulysses Mountain area southwest to Indianola.  

Storm cells passing to the south created some convection and somewhat higher wind speeds on the fire yesterday afternoon. The Pine Creek area saw extreme fire behavior, including crown runs and long-range spotting.  In contrast, the east side of the fire had more moderate fire activity, and efforts to keep the fire west of Highway 93 have so far been successful. Water drops from helicopters helped keep a large spot fire north of Five Corners in check. 

Today’s forecast shows a chance of afternoon dry thunderstorms accompanied by increased winds. This may bring atmospheric instability, causing elevated fire activity and spread rates. Firefighters will continue to mop up and secure containment line on the north, continue to enhance and extend fire lines to the south and southeast, and conduct structure protection efforts ahead of advancing fire fronts. Firing operations will be used where feasible to secure the periphery of the fire. Night operation crews will monitor residential areas both east and west of the fire and possibly conduct additional burn operations if necessary. Clearing of the Diamond fire line (the Diamond Creek drainage) is finished; installation of hoses will be completed today to provide a water source along that line. 

Please be aware that there is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) over the fire area. Recreational drones are not allowed in the TFR. Drone operations pose a significant risk to aerial operations and firefighters. If you fly, we can’t.  

Today, the Pilot Car System on Salmon River Road is scheduled to run as normal, but with potential for temporary delays.  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:  The Lemhi County Sheriff has placed Zone 2 (both sides of Highway 93 from Tower Creek to North Fork) in “GO” 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.  

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 area. 

TOTAL FIRE RESOURCES ASSIGNED: 922 personnel, 20 hand crews, 59 engines; helicopters: four type 1, two type 2, three 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. 

The Incident Command Team for the Moose Fire will be holding a virtual community meeting through Facebook Live and Microsoft Teams from 6 to 7 p.m. on Friday, July 29.  Presenters will cover current fire status as well as plans for continued fire suppression.

To join via Teams: 
- click on this link: https://bit.ly/3OM0bv3
- or listen in via telephone: 929-336-2435, then enter the meeting code: 271624432#

To join via Facebook, go to the Salmon-Challis National Forest Facebook page to find the Facebook Live meeting link: https://www.facebook.com/salmonchallisnf

You don’t need a Facebook account to use the Facebook Live link or need to have MS Teams to join the meeting.

 Moose Fire Daily Update

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/ 
 

40, 388 acres, 15% containment, cause undetermined. West of North Fork, Idaho. Grass, brush and timber fuels. 

A Red Flag Warning is in effect today for thunderstorms and high winds from noon to 10:00p.m. that may increase chance of erratic fire behavior with wind gust of up to 35 mph. 
 

Additional containment of the fire has increased on the north and northeast sides of the fire from North Fork down to the Wagon Hammer area, however; due to the growth of the fire it remains at 15% contained. 

Yesterday, hot and dry conditions persisted. Smoke began to clear over much of the fire area but remained in the Salmon/Lemhi Valley.  Fire activity continued on the south and east sides of the fire where receptive fuels contributed to fire spread.  In the Bobcat Gulch and Napoleon Gulch areas, firefighters used Unmanned Aerial Systems (drones) to bring fire down to the river’s edge in a controlled manner in order to protect structures and private property.  Firefighting crews continued work on structure protection, fuel line breaks, and holding and securing established fire lines with a focus in Diamond Gulch downhill to private property.  On the west side of the fire, fire reached the Spring Creek area – structure protection is on-going through the Pine Creek Ranch. 

Today, the forecast calls for 30% chance of dry thunderstorms which may be accompanied by increased winds. This will add moisture to the atmosphere and bring instability to the fire. This instability has the potential to yield significant fire activity and spread rates. Firefighters will continue to mop up and secure line to the north, reinforce and continue to establish fire lines to the south and southeast, and conduct structure protection efforts to the west.  

Please be aware there is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) over the fire area. Recreational drones not allowed in the TFR. Drone operations pose a significant risk to aerial operations and firefighters. If you fly, we can’t.  

Today, the Pilot Car System is scheduled to run as normal with the potential for temporary delays.  The pilot car system is for residents, permit holders and river shuttles.  The river road is closed to all other traffic.  Alternative route: Williams Creek Road (021) to Deep Creek (101) and north at Panther Creek (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:  The Lemhi County Sheriff has placed Zone 2 (residents on both sides of Highway 93 from Tower Creek to North Fork) in a “GO” evacuation status.  All other zones are in the “Ready” evacation 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.  

CLOSURES AND RESTRICTIONS:  The Salmon‐Challis National Forest has implemented the Moose Fire Emergency Area, Road, and Trail Closure, Order Number: 04‐13‐22‐505.  Details and a map for this closure 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  area. 
 

TOTAL FIRE RESOURCES ASSIGNED: 877 personnel, 20 hand crews, 59 engines; helicopters: four type 1, two type 2, four 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. 

Special Statement
RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM NOON THURSDAY TO MIDNIGHT MDT THURSDAY NIGHT FOR SCATTERED THUNDERSTORMS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 413, 422, 475, AND 476

Fire
Isolated stumps will continue to smolder in the cold black slopes between Bobcat Gulch and North Fork. In the drainages stretching between N. Fork Salmon river and Pine Cr Ridge, late afternoon heat and gusty winds along ridges are expected to produce spots up to 1/2 mile. Crews will continue to protect the houses along HWY 93 corridor with firing operations when conditions are favorable, producing very visible smoke columns and short periods of increased fire activity.

Smoke
Smoke pooled down the N. Fork of Salmon and HWY 93 corridors last night, with minimal transport of concentrations outside of the deep drainages. This smoke will begin lifting around 11am, and continue funneling to the SW with the incoming North winds. As slopes heat up today, strong upslope/upvalley wind will pair with upper level N winds. This pairing will send todays smoke in a more S-SW direction, just east of the HWY 93 corridor, settling in Elk Bend this evening. North fork to Carmen can expect clearing conditions today. Salmon and Lemhi will see short periods of USG to Unhealthy in the late afternoon.

Moose Fire Daily Update

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/  
38,321 acres, 15% contained, cause undetermined. West of North Fork, Idaho. Grass, brush and timber fuels. 

A community open house will be held for the Moose Fire at the Gibbonsville Improvement Association Building (old schoolhouse), on Wednesday, July 27, 4:00p.m. to 6:00p.m. 
 

A Fire Weather Watch has been tentatively issued for Thursday, July 27th due to an increased chance of thunderstorms and erratic fire behavior. 

Containment of the fire to the north has increased to 15%.  Yesterday, hot and dry conditions persisted. Smoke remained locked in the Lemhi valley until mid-afternoon. Fire activity continued on the south and east sides of the fire where receptive fuels contributed to fire spread.  Firefighting crews continue work on structure protection, fuel line breaks, and holding and securing established fire lines.  Sadly, Stormy Peak Lookout (and the radio repeater) was lost to the fire early in the incident as firefighters did not have time to react by wrapping the structure for protection. Items of historical value, such as the fire lookout logbook and others items, were salvaged.  

Today, the forecast calls for 10 % chance of dry thunderstorms which may be accompanied by increased winds. This will add moisture to the atmosphere and bring instability to the fire. This instability has the potential to yield significant fire activity and spread rates. Firefighters will continue to mop up and secure fireline to the north, establish fire line breaks to the south and southeast, and conduct structure protection efforts to the west.  

Please be aware there is a Temporary Fire Restriction (TFR) over the fire area. Recreational drones not allowed in the TFR. Drone operations pose a significant risk to aerial operations and firefighters. If you fly, we can’t.  
 

Today, the Pilot Car System will be in operation through the morning hours for residents, permit holders and shuttles, however; a full closure will be in effect by late morning of the Salmon River Road to safely conduct fire operations.  This is a hard closure that will last until approximately 9:00pm.  The river road is closed to all other traffic.  Alternative route: Williams Creek Road (021) to Deep Creek (101) and north at Panther Creek (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:  The Lemhi County Sheriff has placed Zone 2 (residents on both sides of Highway 93 from Tower Creek to North Fork) in a “GO” evacuation 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.  

CLOSURES AND RESTRICTIONS:  The Salmon‐Challis National Forest has implemented the Moose Fire Emergency Area, Road, and Trail Closure, Order Number: 04‐13‐22‐505.  Details and a map for this closure 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  area. 
 

TOTAL FIRE RESOURCES ASSIGNED: 821 personnel, 18 hand crews, 64 engines; helicopters: four type 1, two type 2, three 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. 

Special Statement
Idaho's Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Air Quality Advisory for Lemhi County until 3 pm on Wednesday.

Fire
Upslope/upvalley winds will continue to push the fire into the 2005 Hale Gulch fire scar, slowing surface spread to 1/2 mile daily. Pockets of frost killed ceanothus are readily available to burn, and producing spots up to 1/4 mile along the Pine Creek ridgeline. Fire spread along East Boulder Creek is slowed by the greener fuels above 6500'. Crews continued to slow the fire spread along the HWY 93 corridor between Bobcat Gulch and Red Rock. Backing fire with occasional group torching will be visible from HWY 93. This evening brings gusty winds, increasing fire activity, and visible smoke columns.

Smoke
Tuesday night fire activity will continue to impact the HWY 93 corridor between Salmon and Challis. The Lemhi Valley smoke will limit visibility of the surrounding terrain until the morning inversion breaks around 1300. Expect periods of Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG) across the entire forecast area until 1pm. As fire activity increases with upslope/upvalley winds, expect a small window of moderate conditions, followed by a few hours of unhealthy as the NW winds bring more smoke into the valley. When the predicted storm front arrives, expect to see clearing conditions followed be limited cumulus development into the late evening hours. Overnight conditions may see improving air quality with the increasing WNW winds.