July 22, 2022 

Moose Fire Daily Update 

Fire Information: 208-742-6690 daily from 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. Email: 2022.moose@firenet.gov 

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

 
23,620 acres, 0% contained, cause undetermined. About 5 miles southwest of North Fork, ID. Grass, brush and timber fuel types. 

We are aware of an aircraft accident that occurred on the Moose Fire, on the Salmon-Challis National Forest. The accident is currently being investigated in coordination with Lemhi County Sheriff’s Office. Please be patient and rest assured we will provide additional updates as information is received. 

Yesterday firefighters continued to widen control lines around the north end of the fire. Along the Salmon River Road, firefighters protected buildings and infrastructure. South of the river, helicopter water drops kept the fire around the top of Napoleon Ridge. Along Highway 93, firefighters inventoried buildings and infrastructure and planned defense tactics for specific locations.  

Today firefighters will continue holding and improving line around the north end of the fire. Structure protection will continue along Salmon River Road and Highway 93.  With high wind, hot temperatures and low humidity in the forecast today, the potential remains for the fire to reach Highway 93. Private landowners and forest users need to remain aware of this potential fire activity.  

A pilot car is escorting traffic along the Salmon River Road (NSFR #030) between Highway 93 at North Fork and the Boy Scout Camp, 1.5 miles west of Indianola Guard Station. There is also a suggested alternative route: Williams Creek Road (021) to Deep Creek (101) and north at Panther Creek (055.) Stay on the most improved roadway. This route is long, and drivers should be prepared for heavy mining and recreation traffic, including semi-trucks and vehicles with trailers. 

WEATHER: A Red Flag Warning has been issued for hot, dry, windy conditions.  

EVACUATIONS:  There are no current evacuations because of the Moose Fire. 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 activity 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: 04‐13‐22‐502.  Details and a map for this closure can be found at https://bit.ly/3yQLW2m.   

TOTAL FIRE RESOURCES ASSIGNED: 690 personnel, 19 hand crews, 39 engines; helicopters: four type 1, two type 2, two 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. 

A pilot car is escorting the public along the Salmon River Road between North Fork and the Boy Scout Camp (1.5 mi west of Indianola Guard Station). This western location may continue to move further west as fire activity increases and the fire continues a westward progression. The pilot car escort begins around 6:30AM and continues into the afternoon when fire conditions prevent access. We cannot predict when the pilot car will stop escorts in the afternoon due to increased fire activity and hazardous conditions.

Fire- Today's lighter winds and increased humidity will assist in slowing the active fire growth. Expect continued smoldering in the large woody debris, and short duration crown fire runs to produce very visible smoke columns near Salmon, Idaho.

Smoke- Light NE winds this morning will shift to the NW by mid-morning. This will push smoke into the Lemhi River valley towards the Clark Reservoir, and into West Yellowstone. Surface level smoke concentrations will be the highest between North Fork and Salmon, with 10 mile visibility along HWY 93. Occasional gusty winds are expected to arrive late afternoon, helping to clear the smoke near HWY 93. Expect an increase in visible smoke plumes as gusty winds push short duration runs upslope.  

 July 21, 2022
Moose Fire Daily Update

Fire Information: 208-742-6690 daily from 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. Email: 2022.moose@firenet.gov

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

Fire Today's lighter winds and increased humidity will assist in slowing the active fire growth. Expect continued smoldering in the large woody debris, and short duration crown fire runs to produce very visible smoke columns near Salmon, Idaho.

Smoke Light NE winds this morning will shift to the NW by midmorning. This will push smoke into the Lemhi River valley towards the Clark Reservoir, and into West Yellowstone. Surface level smoke concentrations will be the highest between North Fork and Salmon, with 10 mile visibility along HWY 93. Occasional gusty winds are expected to arrive late afternoon, helping to clear the smoke near HWY 93. Expect an increase in visible smoke plumes as gusty winds push short duration runs upslope. 

Moose Fire Daily Update July 20, 2022

Fire Information: 208-742-6690 daily from 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Email: 2022moose@firenet.gov

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

Containment: 0%

Cause: Undetermined

Acres: 16,581

Location: 5 miles Southwest of North Fork

Fuel: Grass, Brush, Timber

Great Basin Incident Management Team Two is managing the Moose Fire as of 6 a.m.  Fire is burning on both sides of the Salmon River and the Salmon River Road (#030).  Extreme fire behavior was observed yesterday, with uphill runs, short crown runs, and long-range spotting with similar behavior expected today. 

Fire managers continued to be concerned about potential fire movement.  The potential remains for the fire to reach the Highway 93 corridor.  Private landowners and forest users need to be aware of this potential fire activity.  Please avoid this area. 

Yesterday, crews assessed values at risk in the vicinity of the fire and implemented point protection for those values as necessary.  Aircraft were used as weather permitted to conduct bucket drops.  Aviation resources were also used to search for any additional spot fires east of the fire’s perimeter and along Highway 93 yesterday afternoon, no additional spots were found.  Today, crews will continue assessing values at risk and continue implementing structure protection.

There is wildfire activity on both sides of the Salmon River Road (NFSR #030) between Highway 93 at North Fork and Indianola Guard Station that is affecting access from the Middle Fork of the Salmon River take-out (Cache Bar Boat Ramp) and Main Salmon River launch site (Corn Creek Boat Ramp) to Hwy 93.  A pilot car is currently escorting vehicles through this area on the Salmon River Road in the morning hours and when fire behavior allows.  For current updates, call 208-756-5587.  Questions on river launches can be answered by emailing middlefork@fs.fed.us. 

WEATHER:  Very dry conditions are expected today for the entire area with humidity values in the valley bottoms dropping into the 9 to 13 percent range with low recovery overnight. After relatively light winds early in the morning, breezy conditions will take over midday through the evening with winds 10 to 15 mph can be expected with gusts around 20-25 mph in the afternoon. 

EVACUATIONS:  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.

CLOSURES AND RESTRICTIONS:  The Salmon‐Challis National Forest has implemented the Moose Fire Emergency Area, Road, and Trail Closure, Order Number: 04‐13‐22‐502.  Details and a map for this closure can be found at https://bit.ly/3yQLW2m. 

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

Total Fire Resources Assigned

Personnel: 376,
Crews: 13
Engines: 24 
Helicopters: 5 Type 1, 1 Type 2, 2 Type 3

InciWeb:  https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8249/  •  Twitter: @salmonchallisnf

The Central Idaho Dispatch Zone is at VERY HIGH Fire Danger

On InciWeb @ https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8249/

Date of Detection: July 17, 2022

Current Size (estimated):  12,283 acres

Containment: 0%

Location: 5 miles southwest of North Fork; North Fork Ranger District

Cause: undetermined

Fuels: Grass/Brush/Timber (dead/down fuels)

Resources on Fire: 190

Type I Crew: 4

Type II Crew: 3

Engines: 7

Type I Helicopters: 1

Type II Helicopters: 1

Type 3 Helicopters: 1

A Type III Incident Commander is currently managing the fire.  Fire is burning on both sides of the Salmon River and the Salmon River Road (#030).  Extreme fire behavior was observed yesterday, with uphill runs, short crown runs, and long range spotting with similar behavior expected today.  

Fire managers continued to be concerned about potential fire movement.  The potential remains for the fire to reach the Highway 93 corridor.  Private landowners and forest users need to be aware of this potential fire activity.  Please avoid this area.  

A Type I Incident Management Team has been ordered and will in-brief with Forest Officials today.  Yesterday, crews assessed values at risk in the vicinity of the fire and implemented point protection for those values as necessary.  Aircraft was used as weather permitted, the high winds limited the use of aircraft.  There was a spot fire east of Highway 93 yesterday afternoon, crews were able to quickly contain the spot fire to an area approximately 50’ X 50’.  Crews conducted a burnout late yesterday behind the North Fork Ranger Station to help slow fire growth to the east.   Today, crews will continue assessing values at risk and implementing point protection as necessary with aircraft being used as weather permits.   

There is wildfire activity on both sides of the Salmon River Road (NFSR #030) between Highway 93 at North Fork and Indianola Guard Station that is affecting access from the Middle Fork of the Salmon River take-out (Cache Bar Boat Ramp) and Main Salmon River launch site (Corn Creek Boat Ramp) to Hwy 93.  At this time, a pilot car is escorting vehicles through this area on the Salmon River Road in the morning hours and when fire behavior allows. I t is unlikely that the pilot car option will be available in the afternoons.  For current updates, call 208-756-5587.  Questions on river launches can be answered by emailing middlefork@fs.fed.us.  

WEATHER:  Very dry conditions are expected today for the entire area with humidity values in the valley bottoms dropping into the 5 to 10 percent range. After relatively light winds early in the morning, breezy conditions will take over midday through the evening. Winds will be lighter than Monday, but sustained west winds around 10 to 15 mph can be expected with gusts around 20-25 mph in the afternoon.  Humidity values will slightly improve Wednesday and Thursday, but similarly breezy conditions will remain. 

EVACUATIONS:  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. 

CLOSURES AND RESTRICTIONS:  The Salmon‐Challis National Forest has implemented the Moose Fire Emergency Area, Road, and Trail Closure, Order Number: 04‐13‐22‐502.  Details and a map for this closure can be found at https://bit.ly/3yQLW2m.   

When the pilot car is not available, use the following directions. 

Access from Cache Bar Boat Ramp to Hwy 93, five miles south of Salmon:

From Cache Bar, head east on Salmon River Road (NFSR #030) for approximately 14 miles.

Turn right on Panther Creek Road (NFSR #055).

Continue on Panther Creek Road for approximately 20 miles.

Turn left onto Deep Creek Road (NFSR #101).

Continue on Deep Creek Road for approximately 11 miles (up switchbacks).

At intersection with NFSR #021, turn right towards Williams Creek Summit.

Continue approximately 3 miles to Williams Creek Summit.

Drive over the summit and stay on NFSR #021 (Williams Creek Road) for approximately 13 miles downhill to Hwy 93. 

Access to Corn Creek Boat Ramp from Salmon:

From the intersection of Hwy 93 and Main Street in Salmon, drive south on Hwy 93 for approximately 5 miles to the intersection with Williams Creek Road.

Turn right (head West) on Williams Creek Road (NFSR #021) for approximately 13 miles to Williams Creek Summit.

Stay on NFSR #021, drive over Williams Creek Summit, and continue for approximately 3 miles.

                Turn left onto Deep Creek Road (NFSR #101).

                Continue on Deep Creek Road for approximately 11 miles (down switchbacks) to Panther Creek Road (NFSR #055).

At intersection, turn right on Panther Creek Road (NFSR #055).

                Continue on Panther Creek Road for approximately 20 miles to Salmon River Road (NFSR #030).

                Turn left onto Salmon River Road and continue to Corn Creek Boat Ramp. 

Please use caution as there is heavy mine traffic on these routes in addition to the increased recreational traffic.  Please SLOW DOWN, the alternate routes are narrow, windy, dirt mountain roads.  Please help reduce dust and reduces visibility.  

Risk to responders and public safety are the top priorities for the Moose Fire.  Fire managers appreciate your cooperation.  If you are recreating near an ongoing wildfire suppression operation, please keep your distance - do not congregate in the area and allow the firefighters to do their job safely and efficiently.  

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.  Remember, One Less Spark Means One Less Wildfire.  

Nationally, there are 24 uncontained large fires being managed under a full suppression strategy and 97 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

On InciWeb @ https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8249/

The Salmon‐Challis National Forest has implemented the Moose Fire Emergency Area, Road, and Trail Closure, Order Number: 04‐13‐22‐502.  

Description of Closed Area, Roads, and Trails (#04-13-22-502): 

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) #023 Stormy Peak Road, then following NFSR #023 Stormy Peak Road to NFSR #020 Ridge Road, then following NFSR #020 Ridge Road to NFSR #272 Sharkey Creek Road, then following NFSR #272 Sharkey Creek Road to NFSR #242 Leesberg Road, the following NFSR #242 Leesberg Road to NFSR #076 Moccasin/Napias Creek Road, then following NFSR #076 Moccasin/Napias 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 to National Forest System Trail (NFST) #6152 Owl Creek Trail, then following NFST #6152 Owl Creek Trail to NFSR #123 Colson Creek-State Line Road, then following NFSR #123 Colson Creek-State Line Road to NFSR #038 Spring Creek Road, then following NFSR #038 Spring Creek Road to NFSR #310 Bluenose Lookout Road, then following NFSR #310 Bluenose Lookout Road to the Salmon-Challis National Forest Boundary, then following the Salmon-Challis National Forest Boundary to its junction with U.S. Highway 93, then following U.S. Highway 93 south to the point of origin at the junction of the Salmon-Challis National Forest boundary and NFSR #023 Stormy Peak Road.

  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:

NFSR #055 Morgan/Panther Creek Road.

NFSR #076 Moccasin/Napias Creek Road.

NFSR #156 Twin Creek Road.

NFSR #020 Ridge Road south of its junction with NFSR #391 Wallace Lake Road is open.  NFSR #020 Ridge Road north of its junction with NFSR #391 Wallace Lake Road is closed.

NFST #6152 Owl Creek Trail.

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 when signed 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. 

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An Evacuation Center/Shelter is set up @ the Salmon Valley Baptist Church @ 1230 Cemetery St–Salmon

Cots, food/snacks, and showers are available.

Please call any of the following numbers: Shelter Direct 208-756-3324; Tommie Palmer 208-940-2220; Paul Palmer 208.940-0220

The Evacuation Center/Shelter will help w/ placement of your pets

MOOSE FIRE UPDATE

JULY 18, 2022

The Central Idaho Dispatch Zone is at HIGH Fire Danger

RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FOR THE AREA FROM 1 PM TO 9 PM THIS EVENING.

Date of Detection: July 17, 2022

Current Size (estimated):  1,000 acres

Containment: 0%

Location: 5 miles southwest of North Fork; North Fork Ranger District

Cause: undetermined

Fuels: Grass/Brush/Timber (dead/down fuels)

Resources on Fire: 83

A Type III Incident Commander is managing the fire.  Fire is burning on both sides of the Salmon River and the Salmon River Road (#030).  Extreme fire behavior was observed yesterday, with uphill runs, spotting, and group torching.  Two (2) Type I helicopters dropped water on the fire along with five (5) Single Engine Air Tankers (SEATs) and large air tankers were on scene helping with suppression efforts.  

A Type I Incident Management Team has been ordered and will in-brief with Forest Officials on Tuesday.  Yesterday, crews assessed values at risk in the vicinity of the fire.  Today, crews will be assessing values at risk and implementing point protection as necessary.  Aircraft will be used as weather permits.

Fire managers are concerned about potential fire movement with today’s Red Flag weather conditions.  There is potential for the fire to reach the Highway 93 corridor with a potential Highway 93 closure later today.  Private landowners and forest users need to be aware of this potential fire activity.  Please avoid this area. 

The Forest is working to pilot cars downriver in the morning, the pilot system will be shut down by 2:00 pm or earlier if conditions warrant.  Questions on river launches can be answered by emailing middlefork@fs.fed.us. 

WEATHER:  RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FOR THE AREA FROM 1 PM TO 9 PM THIS EVENING.  Dry air is moving into the area this morning along with very strong winds.  This afternoon expect west winds 20 to 35 mph with gust of 40 to 50 mph.  Locally higher gusts over 50 mph are possible, especially along peaks and ridgelines.  Winds are expected to taper down near sunset.  Dry conditions will last the rest of the week, but winds will not be as strong as today.

CLOSURES AND RESTRICTIONS:  Due to current and expected fire activity on the Moose Fire, Fire Managers on the Salmon-Challis National Forest are asking the public to avoid these areas:
 Granite Mountain Road (#092)
 Hughes Creek Road (#091)
 Hull Creek Road (#005)  
 Indian Creek Road (#036)  
 Sage Creek Road (#005)
 Salmon River Road (#030) from North Fork to the junction with Panther Creek Road (#055)
 
 The area to the East of Colson Creek Road (#123); the Colson Creek Road is ok to travel as authorized
 The area to the East of the Panther Creek Road; the Panther Creek Road is ok to travel.
 The area to the North of the Napias Creek Road (#076); the Napias Creek Road is ok to travel       
 The Stormy Peak Road (#023) from the Forest Boundary to 5 Corners

 Alternate route to downriver when the pilot cars are shut down from the Panther Creek/Salmon River Road junction: 

 From the South – Morgan Creek Road to Panther Creek Road to   Salmon River Road and then west down river. 
 From the North – Williams Creek Road to Panther Creek Road to Salmon River Road and then west down river. 

Expect heavy mine traffic on these routes.

Risk to responders and public safety are the top priorities for the Moose Fire.  Fire managers appreciate your cooperation.  If you are recreating near an ongoing wildfire suppression operation, please keep your distance - do not congregate in the area and allow the firefighters to do their job safely and efficiently. 

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.  Remember, One Less Spark Means One Less Wildfire.