Kiwah Fire allowed to burn

The lightning-caused Kiwah Fire, detected at approximately 5:30 p.m. on July 17, is estimated at 15,437 acres.

The fire is burning in a mixed conifer forest on the Middle Fork Ranger District and is being allowed to play, as nearly as possible, its natural ecological role in the environment while providing for firefighter and public safety.

The fire is located in steep, inaccessible terrain northwest of Indian Creek Guard Station within the Indian Creek drainage in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness.

Monday, fire activity was minimal on all sides of the fire, with no significant growth.

Fire managers continue to monitor progress on the east side of the fire by lookouts.

The potential for the fire to continue to grow remains, as there are many burning areas within the fire perimeter.

There are two closures associated with the Kiwah Fire. The Salmon-Challis National Forest, Middle Fork Ranger District, Kiwah Fire Emergency Trail Closure Order #04-13-18-600 and the Payette National Forest, Krassel Ranger District, Kiwah Fire Emergency Road Closure: #0412-524.

Nationally, there are 54 uncontained large fires in the west managed under a full suppression strategy, and 57 large fires managed under a strategy other than full suppression.

These fires are contributing to the smoke, which is drifting into the valleys surrounding Salmon and Challis.