KAMIAH, ID – Wildfire activity across the Nez Perce–Clearwater National Forests increased slightly over the holiday weekend as warm, dry weather lingered. Forecasts indicate similar conditions will persist through the week, with north and northwest winds expected Thursday before shifting east into Friday. Officials warn that thicker smoke from Canada could move into the region by the end of the week. A weakening high-pressure ridge may allow showers and thunderstorms to return over the weekend.
Palouse Ranger District
The White Pine Fire, located northeast of Potlatch near White Pine Campground and Trailhead, is estimated at 30 acres and remains in extended attack. Crews are working to open access routes and construct fire lines. Heavy road traffic is expected along ID Highway 6 and several forest service roads. The Giant White Pine Campground has been closed, along with portions of Palouse Divide Road and nearby trails.
Moose Creek Ranger District
The Island Creek Fire, detected July 31 near Sob Point north of Elk City, remains under the command of Northern Rockies Team 2 with an area closure in place.
The Rhoda Creek/Blacktail Fires, detected August 20, have merged and now cover more than 2,100 acres in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, though no closures are currently in effect.
The Schwar Creek Fire, east of Elk City, is estimated at 443 acres and is not currently prompting closures.
Red River Ranger District
Five lightning-caused fires northeast and southeast of Elk City remain active:
- Walk Fire – 898 acres
- Hanger Fire – 62 acres
- Bargamin Fire – 290 acres
- Spread Fire – 48 acres
- East Fork Fire – 57 acres
Officials report minimal activity on these fires and no closures.
North Fork Ranger District
The Twin Fire, located northeast of Headquarters in the Twin Cabin Creek drainage, has grown to about 650 acres. A closure is in place for National Forest Service Road 5371 and Forest Service Trail 101.
Lochsa/Powell Ranger District
Several fires remain active in the Lochsa and Powell areas:
- Mire Fire – 915 acres, closures in effect on Saddle Camp Road and Marten Hill Road.
- East Fire – 788 acres burning southwest of Lolo Pass in rugged terrain.
- Wind Lake Fire – 10 acres with trail closures on Tom Beal Trail and Wind Lakes Trail.
- Parachute Fire – 75 acres with minimal activity, visible at times from the Bitterroot Valley.
- Good Friday Fire – 350 acres south of Powell, closures in place on Kooskooskia Meadows Road and several trails.
Additional Information
Full closure orders and incident updates for the Island Creek, Twin, Mire, and East fires are available on InciWeb. Officials urge the public to respect closures and exercise caution while traveling near active fire areas.