Up to 80 structures are still threatened in the Yankee Fork of the Salmon River valley northeast of Stanley as the Potato Fire continues to storm through lodgepole pine forests.
According to the Salmon-Challis National Forest, slightly rising temperatures and lower humidity are creating increasing amounts of smoke in the area. The 4,431-acre fire has not moved much, however, since it started from a lightning strike Friday, July 28. It is 10 percent contained.
Yankee Fork Road is closed between Highway 75 and Loon Creek, and a number of homes have been evacuated. Of the 80 structures that are threatened, the historic mining town of Custer City and the Yankee Fork Gold Dredge are among them.
"It is still a concern for us," said Kent Fuellenbach, a spokesman for the Salmon-Challis National Forest. But "the fire has slowed down. It hasn't really moved at all."
Although fire bosses reported heavy smoke, it did not appear to be drifting down valley to the Salmon River and its popular whitewater rapids.
White Otter Outdoor Adventures has an office at Sunbeam. The company's raft trips were running as scheduled Thursday.
"We have a huge group going today," said Gayle Nelson, the company's office manager. "There hasn't been much smoke at all. We pray that it won't (get smoky), and we pray that it gets under control, actually."
Ten engines and three fire crews were in the Yankee Fork Dredge and Bonanza Guard Station areas Thursday to continue structural fire protection and protect the local power line. All other crews are working the fire in high country camps.
The Custer County Sheriff's Department is handling evacuation operations.
According to the Forest Service, resources are arriving daily to assist with firefighting efforts. The arrival of additional helicopters was planned to help support crews with food, cargo drops and water drops.
The Potato Fire burns through hilly, forested land near Stanley earlier this week. Photo by Steven P. Garman.
