Payette Wilderness Fires (IDPAF)

Wildfire Status:

The current state of the wildfires in the Payette National Forest's Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness includes several active incidents, each being monitored and managed with specific strategies tailored to their behavior. Notable fires include the Cotton Fire, which spans 82 acres and has shown moderate growth, and the Copper Fire, which has reached 1,932 acres. The latter has crossed Monumental Creek but poses no immediate threat to nearby ranch operations. In contrast, smaller fires like the Fang Fire and Frangelica Fire are minimal, each covering only 1/10th of an acre with low fire activity.

Fire agencies are employing a variety of strategies for wildfire management, including monitoring, zone/point protection, and suppression as needed. The Parks Fire, at 5,884 acres, is being managed to allow it to fulfill its ecological role while implementing structure protection measures for local facilities. The Farrow Fire is also actively monitored, with its 1,139 acres exhibiting favorable burn effects. All these activities align with the Forest Service's commitment to evaluating risks and maintaining safety for both the public and firefighters.

Current weather conditions play a critical role in fire behavior, but specific metrics are not detailed in the available data. However, the overall fire spread potential for many of the smaller incidents is reported as low, which may suggest favorable weather conditions or a lack of significant wind. Firefighters are on-site where necessary, particularly at the Copper Fire, ensuring that structure protection is in place while minimizing the impact on the wilderness landscape. As of now, there are no area or trail closures, but visitors are advised to remain alert for fire-related hazards.

Visit Inciweb Incident Page for more information. Information on this page is provided for informational purposes only.