Stanley, Idaho (KMVT-TV) - The Halstead fire burning north of Stanley gained little ground yesterday. Currently 172,128 acres have burned, with containment at 59%. Yesterday, an engine crew hiked up Blue Bunch Mtn. to mop up a 1/10 acre lightning fire with the assistance of a Type 3 helicopter using water drops. Early in the morning, firefighters looked for opportunities to go direct at the headwaters of Jordan Creek. Because of numerous spot fires in heavy timber, a Type 1 helicopter was utilized all day with bucket drops. Engine crews assessed structures at Echo Mine, looking at landslides and the Estes Mtn. Rd. as possible tie in areas. The handcrew, assisted by an engine, continued to work in the Marsh Creek area mopping up as needed. A road grader worked on the dirt roads along the Hwy 21 corridor to repair road damage. Collie Lake, Sawmill Creek and Pole Creek areas continue to burn, but are not moving aggressively.

Today, the engine crew will be headed back to Blue Bunch Mtn. to finish work on the lightning fire there. The Type 1 helicopter will continue with water drops to check the advance of the fire in the headwaters of Jordan Creek. An additional Type 1 helicopter will be available in Challis if needed. The hand crew and engine will continue to secure and mop up the Marsh Creek area. Firefighters will continue to monitor activity at Collie Lake, Sawmill Creek and Pole Creek areas. The grader will continue working on roads along the Hwy 21 corridor. The Salmon River is closed to floating from Buckhorn Bridge to the Sawtooth National Recreation Area eastern boundary from September 3-22 during salmon spawning. Bank fishing is open. The river will be open to all user groups as of September 23.

Closures in the area are along the Highway 75 Salmon River Corridor from Stanley to the Sawtooth NRA boundary, the following campgrounds are open and will be managed by the Sawtooth National Recreation Area through the end of hunting season: Casino, Mormon Bend, Upper O’Brien, Holman, and Whiskey Flat.