MCCALL – Officials said Sunday morning that the Elkhorn Fire is 26,048 acres and 49% contained. The blaze is located along the main Salmon River in central Idaho, approximately 40 miles east of Riggins. The fire was first reported on July 24.
Fire Managers are watching the weather as a Flood Watch for the region goes into effect Sunday and in in place through Monday evening. Heavy rainfall is expected Sunday through Tuesday. Burn scars and flood prone areas will be at risk for rock, mudslide, debris flows. Fireline construction has halted and all efforts are in support of debris removal and suppression repair in preparation for the forecasted weather event.
Fire personnel will continue using helicopters, and vehicles to backhaul structural protection equipment no longer needed from Whitewater Ranch downriver to China Bar.
Communication continues with the boaters entering the river at Corn Creek and again at Hancock Rapids before entering the fire footprint along the river corridor. Fire activity has significantly altered the landscape on both sides of the river in the area of the Elkhorn fire. Be on the lookout for falling rocks, logs, and other debris. Please exercise caution when floating through the fire area. Heavy rains on burned areas may create new river hazards and rapids. Boaters are required to stop at Hancock Campsite on river-left, at river mile 26.1 to receive further instruction via a river information board regarding passing through and camping in the area of the Elkhorn Fire. Please read the river information board for any changes that may have occurred since you left Corn Creek launch. Camping, recreating (i.e., picnic, bathroom breaks and beach walking) and stopping through the area of Elkhorn fire activity is allowed with some exceptions. Once past Hancock Camp (River Mile 26.1) there is no stopping until boaters pass Magpie Creek Camp (River Mile 29.6). 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. After passing Whitewater Ranch (River Mile 39) there are no restrictions connected to the Elkhorn Fire. For additional information on rafting, contact the river desk at 208-756-5587 or 208-481-2625.
The U.S. Forest Service Nez Perce-Clearwater and Payette National Forests issued the Elkhorn Fire Area Roads and Trails Closure Order that spans both sides of the Salmon River but excludes the Salmon River Wild and Scenic Corridor below the high-water line.