Rainfall tempers Elkhorn Fire but raises mudslide concerns

MCCALL, Idaho (CBS2) — According to a recent news release, the Elkhorn Fire grew to about 24,039 acres.

Firefighters are still in the Salmon River corridor and are ready to implement protection measures if fire activity increases from China Bar to Allison Ranch. Crews continued building line to hold the fire East of the 421 road and north of the Salmon River.

Operations were temporarily suspended on the Salmon River corridor due to mudslides upriver, causing debris that made navigation dangerous for jet boats transporting firefighters and supplies.

A drone conducted infrared operations of the fire today.

Fire behavior is expected to be minimal, with a low spread following rainfall across the fire area. Wetting rain will temporarily reduce heat and fire spread.

A negative aspect of heavy rainfall is the potential for mudslides and burnt logs to roll down hillsides. More rain is expected today.

Magruder Road, the northern boundary of the Area Closure on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest, is open. The Idaho Centennial Trail is closed from Chamberlain Basin to Campbell's Ferry and from Campbell's Ferry to the Magruder Road at Dry Saddle.

Currently, all trails in and out of Campbell's Ferry are closed.

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