A large forest fire burning on the Salmon-Challis National Forest in Idaho was caused by people.
The Moose Fire began on July 17th near the confluence of Moose Creek and the Salmon River and now the U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement and Investigations Unit has determined the blaze to be human caused. The specific cause and the events leading up to the fire are still under an active investigation.
Accordingly, the region continues to be in extreme fire danger as hot and dry conditions continued over the fire area yesterday with light winds. Also, relative humidity readings were some of the lowest seen over the past two weeks and the fire front is advancing up to a mile a day.
The fire has burned nearly 50,000 acres and is 21 percent contained.
The Moose Fire has contributed to smoke in the Jackson Hole area.
- National Elk Refuge February 2026 Biological Update: Mild Winter Persists in Jackson Hole - February 9, 2026
- Wyoming Game and Fish Hosts Workshops on Elk Feedground Management Action Plans - February 9, 2026
- Jackson Town Council Considers Unmet Housing Grant Application for S4 Flats on January 20th - January 20, 2026