Inciweb information was updated: 12 months ago

Elkhorn Fire Update August 3, 2023, 7:00a.m.:  The Elkhorn Fire is currently mapped at 23,940 acres, but unfortunately our Infrared flight did not take place last night. Growth of the fire did take in Big Mallard Creek and Bargamin Creek, and further up river for an estimated increase of 100 to 150 acres to the overall size of the fire.

The focus of our efforts on the northwest side of the fire is under a suppression strategy using direct and in-direct firefighting tactics, and point protection measures in the areas of Cook and Mallard Ranch where firefighters will continue implementing structure protection.

Along the river, firefighters will continue to improve structure protection measures at Campbell’s Ferry, Whitewater Ranch, Allison Ranch, and Yellow Pine Bar, and implement measures upriver to Arctic Ranch, The River of No Return Ranch, and Arctic Point Lookout, as well as downriver to China Bar.

Raft launching from Corn Creek resumes this morning. Rafters are asked to not stop in the fire area, stay together and don't linger as jet boats are operating within the burned area in support of firefighting efforts.  It is best to move through the fire are in the early morning hours.  Fire managers will continuing to monitor and manage rafting groups ahead of approaching the fire area.   Continual assessments of the fire danger to rafting public regarding safety, and impact to firefighting efforts are occurring daily.   For additional information on rafting, contact the river desk at 208-756-5587 or 208-481-2625 for more information.

The road to Whitewater remains closed to public traffic and a fire area closure is in the works.  Once implemented the Magruder Corridor will remain open to the north of the fire.  Currently, a Temporary Emergency Closure is in place on roads, trails, and the area east of Mallard Creek drainage and through the Bargamin Creek drainage, and north of Bat Point.  Trail Closures are in place on the Payette National Forest side of the river as well.

Great Basin Team 2 is shadowing the Type 3 Incident Management Team today that is current managing the fire, and will assume command of the fire on Friday morning.  Incident Command Post is being set up at the Red River Work Center (old ranger district office).

An Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place.  All aircraft not assigned to the fire are required to remain out of the TFR area, including those intending to land at private ranches in the area.

The Payette National Forest has a public wildfire information hotline for fire information – 208-634-0820. Visit Inciweb for information on large wildfires at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov , and follow the Payette National Forest on Twitter at @PayetteForest, and on Facebook at U.S. Forest Service – Payette National Forest.