Salmon/Challis National Forest (KMVT-TV) More than 120 firefighters are working to manage seven fires that were sparked by a lightning storm the end of July in the Salmon-Challis National Forest. The Mustang
Complex includes the Mustang, Cayuse, Broomtail, Filly, Roan, Horse Butte and East
Butte fires, which together have burned 2,430 acres of subalpine fir and mixed conifers.
Because the fires are burning in steep, inaccessible terrain, fire managers are monitoring the fires and using aerial water drops to support ground crews and engines. Structure protection forces are in place near structures and private property, including the Gattin Ranch and Long Tom Lookout.
All roads leading into the Mustang Complex Wildfire are closed to the public during fire
suppression activities; those roads are Colson Creek Road (123) from the junction with
Salmon River Road (030) to the junction with Spring Creek Road (038), Long Tom Road
(166), Corn Lake Road (064) and Cayuse Point Road (067). Sections of the following
trails are closed: 163, 159, 164, 203, 165, 166, 167 and 031. The area closure begins at
the junction of the Salmon River and Spring Creek (038) roads and extends west to
Colson Creek Road (123). The Horse Creek Road (065), Horse Creek Campground and
Horse Creek Hot Springs are also closed. The Salmon River Road (030) remains open.
Due to increased traffic from fire and construction vehicles, drivers are advised to
observe reduced speed limits and obey all road closures.
A Great Basin Interagency Management Team arrived Monday evening to assist local
agencies to developing strategies for managing the fires. An Incident Command Post is
now in place at Cadagan Flats.