Containment of Elevenmile Fire improves

Snow that fell on the Elevenmile Fire west of Challis a few days ago is beginning to melt and expose hot spots.

The Salmon-Challis National Forest says firefighters are using the opportunity to look for and extinguish the last remaining hot spots around containment lines.

The fire is now estimated at 10,387 acres and is 50 percent contained. The number of personnel on the fire is down to 341, including 7 crews, 4 helicopters and 5 fire engines.

Smoke is visible along the northern perimeter as the fire is allowed to burn towards the River of No Return Wilderness. According to the forest, it is unsafe for firefighters to work in that very steep, inaccessible and non-contiguous fire perimeter.

Fire in steep canyons along the Custer Motorway has loosened rocks and created unstable soils. The motorway will remain closed until those hazards have been made safe for public use.

Mosquito Flat and Eight Mile Campgrounds are now open.