River could be closed due to fire

Due to the extensive growth of the Sheep fire southward, it may become necessary for the Bureau of Land Management to extend the current closure of a 12-mile segment of the Lower Salmon River to ensure public safety and accommodate fire suppression activities.

Although a determination has not yet been made, the BLM would like to advise recreationists planning to use the river over the coming week that a closure is possible and could be put in place quickly.

The current closure, issued on Sept. 10, extends from the Lucile Recreation Site to the Twin Bridges landing. An extension of the closure would include a segment of the river upstream from the Lucile Recreation Site to Riggins, Idaho or further, if needed for firefighting efforts. River recreationists are urged to check the current status at the following website: http://www.blm.gov/id/st/en/fo/cottonwood.html or by calling the Cottonwood Field Office at 962-3245.

Rafters and others using the Lower Salmon should be conscientious of the firefighting efforts underway, yielding the river to helicopters that may be dipping in the river.

Float groups are advised to stay together and not to stop to watch the aerial support activities. Rafters should pull over temporarily if they come upon a helicopter already dipping in the river then continue through the area expeditiously as soon as the helicopter leaves.

Recreationists are also asked to avoid the Lucile boat pull-outs after 4 p.m. to reduce congestion for the ongoing fire support effort.

Motorists are urged to use caution, refrain from stopping at pull-outs, and drive slowly along U.S. 95 near Lucille.

The Sheep Fire has burned 32,577 acres to-date and is staffed with over 650 firefighting personnel. Containment is estimated at 24 percent with no current expected date of control.

Information: Suzanne Endsley, 769-5004