KAMIAH, ID – The U.S. Forest Service reports that changing weather patterns could bring both relief and new challenges to active wildfires across the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests. Forecasters expect cooler, wetter conditions through the week, but heavy rainfall could also trigger flash flooding and debris flows over recent burn scars and steep terrain.
A flood watch has been issued for much of Idaho County. Officials caution that while precipitation is welcome, hazards in burned areas remain, including unstable trees, rocks, and shifting debris. Fire managers are also reminding hunters and recreationists to plan ahead as many seasons open, noting that closures may change quickly but dangers persist.
Current Fire Activity
Palouse Ranger District
- White Pine Fire: Approximately 792 acres northeast of Potlatch near White Pine Campground and Trailhead. Giant White Pine and Laird Park Campgrounds remain closed. Road and trail closures include sections of NFSR #377, #768, #1443, and trails #224, 224A, 224B, #228, and #26.
Moose Creek Ranger District
- Island Creek Fire: Lightning-caused, detected July 31, about 14 miles north of Elk City. An area closure is in effect.
- Rhoda Creek Fire: Detected August 20, northeast of Lowell, burning 2,502 acres. No current closures, though trails #620, #403, #676, and #693 may be impacted.
- Schwar Creek Fire: At 443 acres near Elk City with minimal activity. Potential impacts to trails #726 and #513.
- Elk Ridge Fire: 25 acres east of Lowell with potential impacts to trails #516, #622, and #522.
Red River Ranger District
- Walk Fire: 920 acres northeast of Elk City.
- Hanger Fire: 220 acres southeast of Elk City.
- Bargamin Fire: 290 acres east/southeast of Elk City.
- Spread Fire: 155 acres southeast of Elk City.
- East Fork Fire: 57 acres northeast of Elk City. Minimal activity with no expected closures.
North Fork Ranger District
- Twin Fire: 850 acres near Twin Cabin Creek drainage northeast of Headquarters. Closures include NFSR #5371 and Trail #101.
- Bruin Creek Fire: 50 acres northwest of Powell in rugged terrain.
Lochsa/Powell Ranger District
- Mire Fire: 1,321 acres near Mire Creek, with road closures along Forest Roads #107 and #587.
- East Fire: 2,114 acres southwest of Lolo Pass in steep terrain.
- Wind Lake Fire: 478 acres southwest of Powell with closures on Trails #7 and #24.
- Parachute Fire: 75 acres in a previous burn scar, minimal activity, last report unless conditions change.
- Good Friday Fire: 587 acres south of Powell, with closures on Road #358 and Trails #45, #6, and #30.
Staying Informed
Officials stress that even during lulls in fire activity, conditions can shift rapidly. Updated fire information for the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests is available on InciWeb or by calling the NCF Fire Information Line at 208-935-6134, staffed daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.