Single Publication

Fire Update – Elkhorn Fire, August 8, 2023 

McCall, Idaho – An Unstaffed Aerial System (drone) team plan to conduct infrared operations of the Trout Creek area of the fire today. The fire acreage is estimated at 24,039 acres and is 12% contained. Some operations remain suspended on the Salmon River corridor due to mudslides and debris in the river system.  

Crews are using point protection strategy in the fire perimeter. 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.  The strategy takes into account exposure to firefighters, values at risk, impacts to area user groups, and wilderness values.  The selected point protection strategy was determined to be the best balance of the protection of values and firefighter safety.  

Rain fell on the fire for the third consecutive day, assisting wildland firefighter efforts on the fire.  A weak, upper-level ridge will be transiting the area today. A lingering mid-to-upper-level moisture that will lead to a 15 percent chance of rain in the afternoon.  Starting in the middle of the week a drying trend will move across the fire area.  

The US Forest Service Nez Perce-Clearwater, and Payette National Forests issued the Elkhorn fire area, roads and trails closure order #01-17-05-23-003, https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/nezperceclearwater/alerts-notices/?aid=82169. The closure area spans both sides of the Salmon River but excludes the Salmon River Wild and Scenic Corridor below the high-water line. 

Boaters are required to stop at Hancock Campsite on river-left at river mile 26.1 to receive further instruction from a Forest Service representative regarding passing through and camping in the area of the Elkhorn fire. Camping, recreating (i.e., picnic, bathroom breaks and beach walking) and stopping through the area of fire activity is allowed with some exceptions. Upon leaving Hancock Camp there will be no stopping until boaters pass Magpie Creek Camp. After passing Magpie Creek Camp, boaters will be allowed to camp and recreate on a First Come, First Served basis everywhere except: Upper Allison, Allison, Lower Allison, Whitewater Camp, Campbell’s Ferry and China Bar. Upon leaving China Bar, there are no camping restrictions connected to the Elkhorn Fire. 

An Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place.  All aircraft (including drones) not assigned to the fire are required to remain out of the TFR area.  

Visit Inciweb for information on wildfires at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov, and follow the Payette National Forest on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/payettenationalforest