Single Publication

Highlights: The Salmon River Road will remain closed due to unsafe travel conditions caused by debris (including large boulders and trees) that continue to be deposited on the road. 
 
Yesterday afternoon a thunder cell collapsed over the areas of Hog Springs, Beaver Creek and Trail Creek. The erratic downburst of winds caused the fire to grow in multiple directions. It also caused an increase in the amount of debris deposited on Salmon River Road.
The fire burned actively all night, coming within 500 yards of Panther Creek Road in the area between Beaver Creek and Trail Creek. As the fire gets closer to the road, temporary closures of up to four hours will occur to allow firefighters time and space to safely perform tactical firing operations to keep the fire from crossing the road. This could happen as early as today. It is critical the firefighters have access to work in this area and hold the fire along the road to minimize potential for spread to the west side of the road. Panther Creek Road is very narrow. There is little room for traffic to turn around. 

We understand this causes an impact to the local community and businesses. Firefighters will work to reopen as soon as it is safe to do so minimizing closure time. 

We ask for your patience as we plan for both firefighting operations and public access. The change in fire behavior will depend on unstable weather this weekend. Updated information will be disseminated as soon as it is available. For current road status please call the Fire Information Line at 208-742-6690.
WEATHER and FIRE BEHAVIOR: Mostly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms bring threats of downdrafts and heavy isolated precipitation. The fire remains active; however, moisture will moderate activity in light fuels. Heavier fuels will remain dry and available to burn. Downdrafts can push fire erratically especially where slope and fuels align.
EVACUATIONS: Zone 15 has been added to “READY” status. Residents in Zone 1 and Zone 8 remain in “SET” status. All other zones are in “READY” status. Click here for the latest updates.
CLOSURES AND RESTRICTIONS: A Salmon-Challis National Forest closure order remains in effect for the Moose Fire Emergency Area, Road, and Trail Closure, Order #04-13-22-507.

Air Quality: ‘Good’ to ‘Moderate’ air quality in the Lemhi Valley this morning. We’ll likely see periods of smoke this afternoon and air quality potentially reaching ‘Moderate’ levels. Smoke could build back into the Cobalt area again today. Everyone should continue to see improved air quality tomorrow as wetter weather moves in and fire activity moderates. A daily smoke outlook can be found here.
Fire Restrictions: 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.
Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR): There is a flight restriction over the fire area and drones are also prohibited. Thank you for respecting the TFR. If you fly, we can’t fly. https://tfr.faa.gov/