Lightning starts several small fires in Salmon region

Salmon-Challis National Forest detected another fire Tuesday afternoon that started during a Monday afternoon lightning storm.

The four-acre Elkhorn Fire was discovered in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness on the North Fork Ranger District.

The fire is located west of Clear Creek and north of Elkhorn Creek, approximately 3.5 miles from the wilderness boundary. It is burning in grass, brush and dead and downed trees.

Four firefighters are staffing the fire and two helicopters are supporting their effort with bucket drops. Smoke jumpers from McCall have been ordered to help with suppression actions and were expected to be on the scene by Tuesday night.

Three small fires were reported Monday afternoon.

A single tree was on fire on the Salmon-Cobalt Ranger District. Two rappellers were dispatched to the scene.

A 1/10th acre fire was reported in grass and ponderosa pine on the Middle Fork Ranger District. Another 1/10th acre fire was reported in grassland on the Salmon-Cobalt Ranger District.

Salmon-Challis firefighters are also assisting the Bitterroot National Forest on a 1/10th acre fire in the Lost Trail Ski Area.