Nez Perce-Clearwater NFs Fire Update - Wilderness Fire Progresses to the North

Kamiah, Idaho (July 25, 2016) – The July 17, lightning caused Cedar fire, continues to burn in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness and is under the management of the Powell Ranger Station.  The fire is located 2 miles northwest of Elk Summit and 11 miles south of the Powell Ranger Station.

The fire was relatively quiet on Saturday, July 23, with minimal growth.  Smoke was not visible from the Powell Ranger Station or the Elk Summit road.  Sunday, increased fire activity was observed.  The fire is now estimated at 325 acres.

The fire is burning in mature Spruce and Sub-alpine fir in the Cedar Creek drainage, Lodgepole Pine stands are on the ridge tops, and Cedar in wet areas.  Numerous natural barriers and past fire events lie east of the Cedar fire.   Continued growth is expected to the north due to dry, steep slopes in the Cedar Creek drainage. 

During active burn periods, smoke is visible from the Elk Summit road, the Powell Ranger Station and in the Bitterroot Valley.  Fire managers are working with air quality specialists to monitor smoke and potential impacts to communities.  Smoke will continue to be seen intermittently as weather systems pass through, fire activity increases, and changes in temperature occur. 

Forest Service trail #6, Cedar Ridge, is closed for public health and safety due to wildfire.

The fire is currently not threatening life or property.  Long term management of the fire is planned to meet resource objectives and maintain the natural occurrence of fire in wilderness.  The fire will continue to be closely monitored by ground and aerial resources to protect potential values at risk.  Potential values at risk include the Elk Summit Guard Station, Kooskooskia trailhead, Graves Peak Lookout, Hoodoo Creek bridge and Bridge Creek bridge.  

Fire and closure information will be posted on InciWeb at http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4874/, the Lolo Pass Visitor Center, Elk Summit, Kooskooskia trailhead, the junction of the Forest Service road 358 and Forest Service road 360 and on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests website.

Know before you go.  Visitors planning recreation activities in the area are encouraged to contact the Lochsa/Powell Ranger District at (208) 942-3113, to get the most up to date fire information.