Payette Wilderness Fires (IDPAF)

Wildfire Status:

The Payette Wilderness area is currently experiencing multiple active wildfires, with the most significant being the Parks Fire, which has burned approximately 5,978 acres. This fire is located on the west side of lower Chamberlain Creek and has shown low to moderate activity, particularly on its southwest flank. Favorable monitoring results indicate that the fire is playing a natural ecological role within the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. The structure protection measures for the Chamberlain bridge have been removed, and assessments show that no damage has occurred to critical facilities in the vicinity.

The Farrow Fire, detected on August 5 and now at 3,084 acres, is also active but has shown no significant activity in recent weeks. It is being monitored closely, with a fire crew dispatched to implement structure protection at Cold Meadows. Additionally, the Cotton Fire (104 acres), Copper Fire (2,129 acres), and Coxie Hole Fire (194 acres) are being managed with a combination of monitoring and zone/point protection strategies, ensuring that risks to nearby values are minimized while allowing natural processes to occur.

Weather conditions have been variable, with a cold front recently passing through the area, which has led to gusty winds that fanned the flames of both the Parks and Farrow Fires. Fire agencies are utilizing a range of suppression strategies tailored to each incident based on the unique characteristics of the fires and the surrounding environment. Despite ongoing wildfire activity, there are currently no area or trail closures in place, although visitors are urged to remain vigilant about potential fire-related hazards while recreating in the affected areas.

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