Emergency trail closure near Mud Lick Fire
SALMON, Idaho (KIFI) - UPDATE 3:05 p.m. The Salmon‐Challis National Forest has implemented a Mud Lick Fire Emergency Trail Closure, Order Number: 04‐13‐21‐001.
The trail closure is described as Forest Trail #010 (Lick Creek), #023 (Birch Creek) and #028 (Gant Ridge), #026 (Indian Creek) and #029 (Big Deer).
The above trails are closed to all uses, including hiking, biking, motorized use and horse travel.
The trail closure is necessary to protect public health and safety from the Mud Lick Fire and its effects.
The order remains in effect through August 31, 2021.
ORIGINAL: The Salmon-Challis National Forest reports the lightning caused Mud Lick Fire has burned 4,046 acres and is 0% contained.
It is burning grass, brush, ponderosa pine and douglas-fir 22 miles west of Salmon.
The Sam Hick’s Great Basin Incident Management Team 5 took command of the fire early Monday and will endeavor to keep the fire west of Panther Creek and away from mine infrastructure using a confine and contain strategy.
Firefighters will continue to assess protection of private property.
315 personnel, 8 crews, 4 engines, 1 water tender and 6 helicopters are fighting the fire, but smoky conditions may hamper the use of aerial resources.
The most critical fire weather is expected in the afternoon with potential wind gusts of 25 to 30 mph. The region is experiencing extreme drought, with parts of Idaho facing historically dry fuel conditions. Very dry and very warm conditions are expected to continue, with temperatures in the 90s and relative humidity reaching a low of 11 percent. Fuel moistures are at a record low for this time of year, creating critical fire conditions.
There is a temporary flight restriction within a five-mile radius of the fire. Forest visitors are asked to avoid Panther Creek and the Mud Lick Fire to allow firefighters to safely work in the area.
The fire started Thursday morning.
