Latest News & Updates
Latest News & Updates
Sawtooth Valley Wildland Fire Collaborative
Info prepared by Sawtooth Society staff and SVWFC Volunteers. The Sawtooth Society is applying for grant funds to increase wildfire and climate resiliency for Sawtooth Valley. We believe working collaboratively and with respect fosters climate resiliency
Want to learn more about homeowner's insurance and how it's being affected by wildfire risk? Have other insurance questions and want to talk to the experts? Now is your chance! Join the Sawtooth Valley Wildland Fire Collaborative October 4th from 4:30-6:00pm at Papa Brunee's and hear from the experts!
Want to learn more about homeowner's insurance and how it's being affected by wildfire risk? Have other insurance questions and want to talk to the experts? Now is your chance! Join the Sawtooth Valley Wildland Fire Collaborative October 4th from 4:30-6:00pm at Papa Brunee's and hear from the experts!
Keep up to date with Fire Restrictions!As we head into Labor Day weekend, we want to remind visitors that Stage 1 Fire Restrictions remain in effect across the Sawtooth National Forest.
🔥Wood and charcoal campfires are ONLY allowed in agency-provide fire rings at designated sites – a list of sites can be found in the official order at www.fs.usda.gov/r04/sawtooth/alerts/stage-1-fire-restrictions
🔥Elsewhere, fires are only allowed in devices that have a shut off valve and are fueled by liquid petroleum gas.
We also want to share a few other #OneLessSpark reminders with visitors:
🔥Fireworks are never allowed on our national forest.
🔥Do not drive or park on dry grass. Hot exhaust pipes or sparks can start a fire.
🔥Ensure trailer chains are not dragging when hauling campers or equipment. Contact with roadways can generate sparks.
🔥Never leave a campfire unattended without insuring it is dead out and cold to the touch.
The Sawtooth National Forest wishes you a safe and happy holiday!
🚨⚠️ SH-21 potentially closed for next two days north of Grandjean Junction due to mud slide and debris on road. Drivers should plan alternative routes.
Elkhorn Fire Update - PUBLISHED 8PM AUGUST 14th
On July 31st, a lightning storm ignited the Elkhorn Fire in the Salmon-Challis National Forest. It's located approximately 33 miles northwest of Stanley and is next to the Middle Fork of the Salmon River. Through August 13th, it was mapped at approximately 33 acres. During Red Flag weather conditions yesterday, including high winds and low relative humidity, fire activity increased significantly, and the fire spread to 953 acres as reported earlier today. Smoke from the increased fire activity was visible from Stanley during the afternoon winds yesterday. See photos below. The Elkhorn Fire is adjacent to multiple burned areas, which act as a natural barrier to fire spread.
Red Flag weather conditions continue through at least today, August 14th, increasing the risk of further regional fire behavior.
Visible smoke is also being released from other fires near the Sawtooth Valley. Smoke from the Rock Fire near Lake Cascade was clearly visible across the northern skyline from Stanley yesterday.
Further information about the Elkhorn Fire will be published as conditions warrant.
Full information in the fire update can be found HERE: conta.cc/47gh3HB
Firewood permits for the Sawtooth, Boise and Payette national forests are now available for purchase through a new online E-Permit system. Permits may be purchased by computer or mobile device any time, eliminating traveling to your local Forest Service office. www.fs.usda.gov/r04/sawtooth/newsroom/releases/firewood-permits-now-available-online-purchase?fbc...
Sawtooth National Forest : Press Release - Firewood permits now available for online purchase
www.fs.usda.gov
Jerome, Idaho — Firewood permits for the Sawtooth, Boise and Payette national forests are now available for purchase through a new online
ED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM THIS AFTERNOON, 8/6/2025, TO 9 PM MDT THIS EVENING FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 422...for Blaine County, Idaho, and surrounding areas.Let's be careful out there, folks...
RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM THIS AFTERNOON, 8/6/2025, TO 9 PM MDT THIS EVENING FOR GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONE 422...for Blaine County, Idaho, and surrounding areas.
The National Weather Service in Pocatello has issued a Red Flag Warning for gusty winds and low relative humidity, effective from 2 PM this afternoon to 9 PM MDT this evening.
* AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zone 422 Sawtooth Range/Northern Sawtooth NF. Affected areas are from Ketchum southwards.
* WINDS...Southwest 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.
* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 15 percent.
* IMPACTS...When Red Flag conditions are met, fire intensity and fire spread rates can become extreme.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions exist now, or will occur shortly, based on these criteria for Southeastern Idaho:
- Relative humidity at or below 15 percent and wind gusts of at least 25 mph in the mountains, or 30 mph in the Snake Plain.
Wed Aug 6 2025
&&
Level 1 Fire Restrictions are now in effect until October 31st.
What does this mean for SNRA Recreationalists?
1) Fires are ONLY permitted in USFS/BLM Provided Metal Fire Rings and Enclosures - this means fires within Rock Rings are NOT PERMITTED
2) Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, at a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.
3) Visitors outside of these designated sites may use a stove or grill equipped with a shut-off valve that is solely fueled by liquid petroleum or liquid petroleum gas fuels. Stoves or grills of this type can only be used in areas that are barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within three feet of the device.
When using USFS Metal Fire vessels, remember to DROWN your fire - your fire should be completely extinguished and you shouldn't feel any remaining heat when you feel with the back of your palm!In coordination with Idaho Department of Lands and Bureau of Land Management - Idaho Twin Falls District, the #SawtoothNF will be initiating Stage 1 Fire Restrictions on all National Forest System lands within the exterior boundaries of the forest Friday. For more information, see the alert and press release posted below.
⚠️: www.fs.usda.gov/r04/sawtooth/alerts/stage-1-fire-restrictions
📰: www.fs.usda.gov/r04/sawtooth/newsroom/releases/stage-1-fire-restrictions-begin-aug-1
While this falls outside the Sawtooth Valley, it sits on the edge of the SNRA. We want to ensure our Wood River Valley Residents are aware of the ongoing situation north of Ketchum in Oregon Gulch!Oregon Fire Update:
Fire is now 3 acres in size. However, a Type 2 helicopter and a single engine air tanker have been dropping water on the fire, which has slowed activity quite a bit. A Type 3 helicopter has joined the effort, and a Type 1 helicopter is enroute. #fireseason2025 #KetchumRD
One of the easiest things you can do reduce anxiety during fire season is by just being prepared! Making a "Go Bag" is quick and easy, and will help you be more nimble in case you need to evacuate during fire season.
We like to use a small plastic storage tote next to the door with a checklist taped to the top. Take 10 minutes today while dinner is in the oven to double check that your passports etc are where you left them and that your flashlight batteries are fresh!
Grab an extra box of granola bars and some canned soup when out shopping and make sure a sealable water jug is close by!
Then you can sit back and relax knowing you are READY, SET, GO prepared!
It's FIRE SEASON!
🔥Protect your property now - cut back fuel close to your home.
🔥Prepare a Go Bag.
🔥Review how "Ready, Set, Go" evacuations notices get to you. You need to sign up to receive notifications!National Fire News: June 27, 2025. As of this morning, 26 large uncontained fires are being suppressed across the country, and an additional 48 being managed with strategies other than full suppression, mostly in Alaska. Nearly 6,000 wildland firefighters and support personnel are assigned to incidents across the United States.
In addition to U.S. wildfire response, three incident management teams, two incident management teams, six hotshot crews, and 75 overhead personnel are currently assigned to critical fire suppression efforts in Canada. This international coordination highlights the interconnectedness of fire, weather, and smoke, as well as the importance of working together to meet fire challenges wherever they arise.
Several geographic areas in the U.S. are seeing hot, dry conditions and dry fuels, increasing the potential for new ignitions and large fire growth. See fuels and fire behavior advisories from the National Interagency Coordination Center (NICC).
🔥 More NFN: www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn
Thanks for the great story Eye On Sun Valley !Going Firewise eyeonsunvalley.com/Story_Reader/12976/Going-Firewise/5/
Did you know that the Sawtooth Valley Wildland Fire Collaborative sends newsletters about fire activity, photos, Ready Set Go information, and more resources? If you're interested in receiving them go to sawtoothfirecollab.org/ and sign up at the bottom of the page. Photo below from Stanley, Idaho at 2:15pm June 19, 2025 from Mayor Botti.
New fire reported this afternoon.
Joe’s Gulch Fire
Size: approximately 10-15 acres
Fuels: Mixed conifer, primarily Douglas fir and sagebrush
Fire cause: unknown
Fire location: North of Stanley
Resources on scene:
3 Type 6 engines
1 20 person hand crew
1 Type 3 helicopter
2 Type 2 helicopters
1 Air Attack
1 5 person Initial Attack Module
Firefighter and public safety is highest priority. Please avoid the area and give the firefighters room to work.
Drones: If you fly, we can’t. Reminder that if you fly a drone over a fire, air operations could be suspended.
Another big thank you to Luther Heights Bible Camp, the City of Stanley, and all of the presenters, panelists, and participants for engaging in the spring event! We had a great turnout, great discussions, and look forward to continued collaboration with you all! Interested in learning more, getting fire updates, or becoming a neighborhood ambassador? Please check out the sawtoothfirecollab.org page and click "volunteer" and "learn more" tabs at the bottom of the page. Custer County Sheriff-IdahoCuster County Emergency ManagementU.S. Forest Service-Sawtooth National ForestU.S. Forest Service - Boise National ForestSawtooth Valley Rural Fire DepartmentBlaine County Fire (& Flood) Information
We had a packed house for Todays SVWFC Community forum! Special thanks to Stanley, Idaho for hosting us for our informational sessions!
We had an amazing and thought provoking day 1 of our 2-day Community Forum series up in the SNRA! Tomorrow we will be at the Stanley Community Center continuing our discussions on fire mitigation, protection, and preparedness!
A HUGE shoutout to our incredible hosts, Luther Heights Bible Camp, for giving us a beautiful venue to host day 1 at!
Join us for TWO DAYS of exciting informational sessions on wildfire mitigation, safety, and planning! Register for one or both days at the link below:
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Support the SVWFC do the important work we do! Every donation to the Sawtooth Society enables us to create a fire resilient SNRA!It's Idaho Nonprofit Center's Idaho Gives week!
Today, we are focusing on the important work we do with the Sawtooth Valley Wildland Fire Collaborative. This collaborative, formed by community need, focuses on a coordinated effort for wildfire activity communication and mitigation - we are creating a smarter and stronger SNRA for the residents and visitors to the land we all love!
Click here to join the 7,000 individuals contributiong nonprofits across Idaho for Idaho Gives today!
www.idahogives.org/organizations/the-sawtooth-society-inc
Day two takes place at the Stanley Community Center! Lunch will be provided, along with a full day of presentations on the Wapati fire and what you can do to protect your home!
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Day One takes place at Luther Heights Bible Camp from 10am-4pm.
We bring the lunch, you bring your questions, curiosity, and maybe a light jacket for our outdoor field trip!
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