Salmon River Road closed indefinitely

SALMON, Idaho (KIFI) - UPDATE 8/17/22: As the fire continues to progress south-westerly along the main Salmon River toward Panther Creek, Salmon-Challis National Forest Leadership, in coordination with the Incident Management Team (IMT), has agreed to close the stretch of road between Spring Creek and Panther Creek indefinitely. 

Forest Leadership and the IMT anticipate the closure to last for a minimum of two weeks. 

If the conditions allow, the road may be intermittently opened during this period; however, users shouldn’t count on this as conditions can change quickly. This decision was made based on predicted incoming weather, fuel loads, topography and proximity of the fire to the primary Salmon River Road.

The fire is causing debris and loose rocks to roll onto the road causing a safety issue for the public and fire fighters. This closure allows emergency traffic to travel the road safely as they clear debris and downfall. Fire managers will continue to assess the closure by observing the area's conditions and lift the closure as soon as the risk to responders is minimized and the road is safe for public access. An alternate route accessing this area is available on Forest Service Road 055, Panther Creek road.    

ORIGINAL: Due to active fire behavior and fire growth along the Main Salmon River from Pine Creek to Panther Creek, starting immediately there is a high probability a portion of the Salmon River Road (#030) between Spring Creek and Panther Creek will be closed intermittently.

This potential closure is due to hazards associated with the increased fire activity which includes rolling material such as large rocks, logs and other debris.

In addition, there will be an increase in fire related traffic to support fire suppression actions associated with suppression of the fire, including a potential firing operation along the road to aid in reducing the intensity of the fire in that area when it becomes clear fire is going to impact landscape in that area. 

Alternative routes exist to access and exit from Corn Creek via the Panther Creek Road.