Lightning zaps Salmon-Challis Forest

Lightning has caused at least 11 new fires on the Salmon-Challis National Forest in the past week.

The three-acre “Jenny” fire was reported Sunday about 38 miles southwest of Salmon in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. The fire is in rugged back country. For now, a helicopter is dropping water on the fire to cool the fire’s edge and slow the spread of fire.

The five-acre “Paradise” fire is located about 44 miles northwest of Challis, also in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. It is located within an old fire scar in inaccessible terrain. Again, helicopter water drops have been deemed the safest alternative to slow the fire’s progress.

Several other smaller fires are either out or inactive. The Vader and Shady fires remain the most active on the Salmon-Challis Forest at this time.

The cause of the Vader fire 14 miles northwest of Stanley is still under investigation. It is estimated at 443 acres and is about 95% contained.

The Shady fire was last estimated at 3,931 acres Tuesday. Because of heavy fuel loading, active fire behavior, and the presence of dangerous snags, firefighters have not been able to directly engage the fire.