Tappan fire could impact river float camps

The Salmon-Challis National Forest is battling a 927-acre fire on the Middle Fork and North Fork Ranger Districts, near the confluence of Camas Creek and the Middle Fork of the Salmon River. The “Tappan” fire is believed to be human-caused. The exact cause is under investigation. The fire is located east of the Middle Fork in steep, rocky, and inaccessible terrain and burning in grass, brush, and some scattered timber. One helicopter, 12 firefighters, 2 resource advisors, and fire managers are assigned to the fire. There was minimal fire activity Thursday, but the fire was creeping and smoldering.
Two popular trails were closed on an emergency basis Thursday to protect visitors from fire hazards. The Middle Fork River Trail #6044 from Hoodoo Meadows Trail to the wilderness boundary was closed. The Hoodoo Meadows Trail #6043 was closed from its intersection with Middle Fork Trail to the Warm Springs trail. The fire is being managed in the wilderness to protect identified values like river camps, private property, and natural and cultural resources. The fire is likely to impact Middle Fork River camps and fire managers are working with river staff to develop plans for redirecting Middle Fork River floaters to appropriate river camps.