Nearly 18 miles of the Lower Salmon River upstream of Riggins has been closed to all recreational activities, due to the Tepee Springs Fire, authorities announced today; it’s part of a huge area closure due to the fast-growing fire that’s expected to reach the river today; it had grown to more than 25,000 acres by last night, and as of this morning, it was just 30 percent contained.

"Limiting access and recreational opportunities for the public is a difficult decision for the BLM and one that is not made lightly," said Will Runnoe, manager of U.S. Bureau of Land Management's Cottonwood Field Office.  "In this situation, the extreme fire behavior being displayed by the Tepee Springs Fire poses an exceptional threat to the public so we have got to take these precautions. As soon as the threat of the fire lifts, the temporary emergency closure will be rescinded."

You can see a map of the river closure here, and a map of all closures for the Tepee Springs fire here. The official order says the river is closed from French Creek to the mouth of the Little Salmon River in Riggins, a distance of 17.78 miles.  

The Idaho County Sheriff’s department will be monitoring the river at French Creek to prevent rafters from continuing down the river; recreationists will be directed onto forest road 246 back to McCall, and no traffic will be allowed to continue toward Riggins. The Salmon River Road from French Creek to Riggins has been under an evacuation order since yesterday.