After days of backing down toward the Salmon River from the south, the Butler Fire crossed the River on the afternoon of the 17th and ran up onto the north side of the canyon.
Yesterday the fire continued to grow upcanyon on both sides of the River. It is well-established on the slopes above the confluence of the North and South Forks of the Salmon River, and has all the ingredients needed for extremely unpredictable spread this afternoon.
Retardant drops appear to have slowed the fire’s spread over the ridge into Lower Crapo Creek, but the fire had crested the ridge into Crapo, last night.
The fire is backing into Swans Gulch and Pollocks Gulch.
The fire is well-established in McNeal Creek, with spot fires to the east.
With the fire so well established on so many different aspects, all around Forks, it is likely the various fire fronts will influence each other in extremely unpredictable ways, this afternoon.
Forecasts
Don’t assume the fire will just back gently to the River, and don’t wait until it is too late to leave!
Good luck, everyone!