The Moose Fire is located 5 miles southwest of the North Fork on both sides of the Salmon River.
SALMON, Idaho – A wildfire that broke out in the Salmon-Challise National Forest on Sunday raised the fire danger level for the region to the highest it had not been on Tuesday.
About 190 firefighters are currently battling the Moose Fire, an estimated 12,283 acres of grass, brush and timber — mostly dead and downed fuels — about 5 miles southwest of the North Fork in Lemhi County. The cause is not specified. “Extreme fire behavior” such as uphill runs, short crown runs, and long distance areas is reported.
As of Tuesday morning, the fire was burning on both sides of the Salmon River and Salmon River Road. Fire managers say it still has the potential to reach the Highway 93 corridor. A pilot car has been escorting drivers around the area in the morning and fire behavior permitting. Private owners and forest users are asked to be aware of the potential danger of fire and to avoid the area if possible.
The fire is affecting access to Highway 93 from the Middle Fork of the Salmon River to the Cache Bar Boat Ramp and the main Salmon River launch area to the Corn Creek Boat Ramp.
Firefighters implemented a point guard and on Monday, conducted a firefight behind the North Fork Ranger Station. Very dry and windy conditions are expected for the entire area on Tuesday afternoon.
Firefighting resources deployed to the Moose fire include four Type I crews, three Type II crews, seven engine crews and three helicopters in a Type III emergency command. A Type I incident management team has been ordered and is scheduled to brief forest officials on Tuesday.
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