Moose Mountain

Rain slows fire spread while evacuation warnings and road closures remain active

The Moose Mountain Fire is burning north of Kelly Forks in the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, where it has reached the North Fork of the Clearwater River. Over the last 72 hours, steady rainfall and higher humidity moderated fire behavior and slowed eastward progression, though smoldering persists near Fix Creek and the Deception Point drainage. Evacuation warnings and widespread forest closures remain active as crews work to secure lines and protect area values.

Evacuations and Closures

• Level 2 'SET' evacuation warnings remain in effect for the Independence Creek and Deception Saddle communities (as of September 7).
• Designated sections of Forest Roads 250, 255, 5295, and 737 remain closed between Hoodoo Pass and Kelly Forks (as of September 7).
• Forest Road 250 between Black Canyon and Hidden Creek Campground is closed and not expected to reopen this season (as of September 7).
• Forest Trails 169, 176, 445, 814, and 815 remain closed throughout the fire zone (as of September 7).
• The area campfire ban has been lifted, though visitors are required to carry tools to fully extinguish campfires (as of September 7).

Impact

No structural losses or injuries have been reported. Fire activity along the Black Canyon corridor has caused prolonged closures of major forest access routes.

Conditions and Outlook

Rain will taper off, giving way to overcast skies and lighter southwest winds before warmer, drier conditions and shifting north-northwest winds develop mid-week. Fire behavior is expected to stay creeping and smoldering in the damp fuels, with potential for increased activity as conditions dry out later in the week. Firefighters plan to maintain fuel breaks along the western edge, use heavy equipment and hand crews to clear eastern containment lines, and maintain structure protection systems.

Cause and Context

The wildfire was ignited by lightning in late July within the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests.

Resources

• Moose Mountain Fire InciWeb
• Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests

Official updates current through September 7, 2026.