Moose Fire grows to over 86,000 acres

Firefighters continue to battle the Moose Fire 17 miles north of Salmon more than a month after it began.

The fire started on July 17 in North Fork five miles southwest of Salmon.

Fire officials have determined the blaze is human-caused but the specifics remain under investigation. As of Thursday, the fire is 86,000 acres and 34% contained with full containment is estimated for Sept. 15th.

Hot and dry weather has persisted throughout the Lemhi Valley with interior pockets of the fire burning, but fire activity is expected to be moderate.

So far, no injuries or major property damage have been reported, although two pilots assisting with firefighting efforts were killed in a helicopter crash on the Salmon River on July 21.