Moose Fire mapped at 95,520 acres

SALMON, Idaho (KIFI) - The human caused Moose Fire burning west and south of North Fork has burned 95,520 acres and is 37% contained.

The Salmon River Road will be open to through traffic Tuesday from 6:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. The road will close at 1:00 p.m. Tactical firing operations may be taking place in the afternoon as conditions allow. Frontend loaders will continue to clear debris off of Salmon River Road. Panther Creek Road may experience short term, intermittent closures throughout the day for tactical firing operations and to allow firefighters room to work safely.

A decision on road closures for Wednesday will be made this evening after reassessing conditions for public safety. Officials ask that extreme caution be used when traveling these roads in order to maintain public and firefighter safety.

EVACUATIONS

Please note the following changes to the evacuation plan:

• Zone 14 (Trail Creek north to the confluence of Panther Creek) has been changed to “SET.”
• Zone 9 has been divided into Zone 9A and 9B.
• Zone 9A (Pine Creek bridge down to and including Owl Creek) has been changed to “SET.”
• Zone 9B (west of Cove Creek to west of Ebenezer Campground)remains in “READY.”
• Zone 1 remains in “SET” status.
• All other zones remain in “READY” status.

“READY” means you should create and maintain defensible space to protect your home against flying embers. Other steps include making a family communication plan, sharing phone numbers and contacts, and planning to make accommodations for your pets, prescriptions, papers and priceless possessions.

“SET” means to prepare your family and home ahead of time for the possibility of having to evacuate. Check with hotels, motels and campgrounds to learn if they are open. You should be packed to leave, and prepared to leave at a moment’s notice if you must evacuate. Click here for the latest updates.

WEATHER and FIRE BEHAVIOR

There is a chance of afternoon and early evening showers and thunderstorms. Minimum relative humidity values will be in the mid-teens in the Panther Creek/Salmon River drainage to as high as upper 20’s over the ridges. Southwest winds will be 10 – 15 mph over the ridges with gusty winds near thunderstorms. Cloud cover will be present, but reducing. The potential for thunderstorms will be lower, but still present. Downbursts could cause erratic fire movement.

CLOSURES AND RESTRICTIONS

A Salmon-Challis National Forest closure order remains in effect for the Moose Fire Emergency Area, Road, and Trail Closure Order #04-13-22-507.

Air Quality

Most of the Lemhi Valley has ‘Good’ air quality this morning. With slight chances of thunderstorms in the afternoon smoke may be transported from the fire into the Lemhi Valley. As the day progresses, we may see periods of increased smoke and ‘Moderate/USG’ air quality in the afternoon and evening in Salmon, similar to yesterday. North Fork is expected to be mostly ‘Good.’ Cobalt and Elk Bend will remain ‘Good’ today. A daily smoke outlook can be found here.

Fire Restrictions

Stage 1 Fire restrictions are in effect on the Salmon-Challis National Forest, BLM, and State of Idaho lands in Custer and Lemhi Counties, excluding wilderness areas.

Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR)

There is a flight restriction over the fire area and drones are also prohibited. Thank you for respecting the TFR. If you fly, we can’t fly. https://tfr.faa.gov/