Roads Remain Closed on Craig Mountain

Because of the extreme fire danger and the Chimney Complex Fire burning on the Craig Mountain Wildlife Management Area south of Lewiston, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game reminds the public that access to much of area is restricted by fire fighting efforts. With heavy traffic and narrow, dusty roads, Nez Perce and Lewis counties closed roads affecting access to the Eagle Creek and Deer Creek areas, as well as the Waha Lake and Red Bird Road areas. Only homeowners and authorized personnel will be allowed into these areas. Closure barricades have been put in place, and sheriff deputies will be monitoring them. On July 24, Nez Perce County partially lifted the evacuation order for the Red Bird Road and Waha Lake areas. Residents and their personal vehicles may now return to the evacuation area. But recreational vehicles and livestock will not be allowed back into the area at this time. Residents will remain on a 24-hour evacuation alert until further notice. Many barrier gates and fences on Craig Mountain Wildlife Management Area have been opened only for authorized fire fighting access. These roads and surrounding land all remain closed year round to unauthorized entry by motor vehicles. Drivers who violate the law are subject to a misdemeanor citation, including fines up to $1,000 and up to six months in jail. Once the area restrictions are lifted, the following roads on the wildlife management area will open to motorized travel: ¥ Eagle Creek to the Salmon River and downstream to Wapshilla Creek. ¥ County Road at Black Pine Corner out Wapshilla Ridge to the posted gate. ¥ The road beginning one-half mile south of Robert Springs east of the Wapshilla Ridge Road east to China Saddle. ¥ Madden Corral road northwest to top of Billy Creek. ¥ Deer Creek Road from the intersection with Zaza Road to intersection with Forest Road. ¥ Larabee Cutoff Road from the intersection with Deer Creek Road to the intersection with Zaza Road. Fire and road closure information is available at "wildfire updates" on the Fish and Game Website: http://fishandgame.idaho.gov.