Island Creek Fire closure expanded as blaze crosses Selway River

The Island Creek Fire has escalated, jumping the Selway River and prompting the U. S. Forest Service to expand its closure area significantly. The blaze has burned nearly 11,600 acres as of Friday, mostly on the river's south side, with spot fires detected in Gedney Creek and Peterson Point. Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest Supervisor Jon Word extended the closure to include parts of the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness Area, blocking access to hunting units just as the archery elk season begins.

Recent rain provided temporary relief, reducing fire activity, but muddy conditions have hampered the deployment of heavy equipment for fire line construction. The forecast predicts hotter and drier weather over the weekend, raising concerns about the fire’s spread. Approximately one-third of an inch of rain fell on Wednesday, but Thursday and Friday were drier. The closure includes significant areas such as Coolwater Ridge and the Selway Crags, impacting local hunters. Officials are closely monitoring the situation as they prepare for potential challenges ahead.