Big Bear Fire 0.0000, -0.0000

WILDFIRE reported in Idaho, US Forest Service Payette National Forest

Status

active

Size

14,935 acres

Containment

70%

Follow this incident

Last updated 1 hour, 10 mins agoReported 1 month, 4 days ago via IDPACIncident # 2025-IDPAF-005831

Initial Location

24.1 miles ESE of Dixie, ID

Dispatch Notes

Wilderness

Assigned Resources

N/A

Responsible Agency

US Forest Service — Payette National Forest

Fuels

Timber (Grass and Understory), Timber (Litter and Understory)

Incident Status

Active

Nearby Weather Conditions

Incident Weather Concerns

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Incident Overview

The Big Bear Fire, a lightning-caused fire that started on July 9, is still approximately 14,935 acres and 70% complete. Due to minimal current fire behavior, the Payette National Forest, in collaboration with Salmon-Challis National Forest, has determined this fire to be in patrol status. We are and will continue to assess conditions using remote sensing, lookouts, and flights for future point protection and staffing needs as necessary.

In addition, the Payette National Forest is actively coordinating with Nez Perce-Clearwater, Bitterroot, and Salmon-Challis National Forests to communicate with outfitters and other permit holders impacted by fire activity. For the most up-to-date information on river conditions, please call the Salmon-Challis National Forest River Clerk Desk at 208-481-2625. The phone line's hours are 8 AM – 4 PM MST.

As a reminder, the status of the Big Bear Fire will be measured as percentage of completed incident objectives, which more accurately illustrates the amount of groundwork accomplished by firefighters for this and future updates.

This is the last update for the Big Bear Fire unless circumstances change.

Basic Information

Last Updated

Thu, Aug 7, 2025 7:35 PM PDT

Incident Time Zone

Mountain Standard Time

Incident Type

Wildfire

Cause

Lightning

Fire Discovered

Wed, Jul 9, 2025 7:00 AM PDT

Incident Time Zone

Mountain Standard Time

Location

59 Miles NE of McCall, Idaho - Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness

Incident Commander

James Norvell, ICT4 USFS

Incident Description

The Big Bear Fire is a lightning-caused fire and is burning in steep, remote terrain in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness.

Current Situation

Total Personnel

Size

14,935

Containment

70%

Estimated Containment Date

Wed, Oct 1, 2025

Fuels Involved

Timber (Grass and Understory)

Timber (Litter and Understory)

Brush (2 feet)

Burning in timber, brush, significant dead and down with a heavy fuel loading. Fire is burning in a mosaic fuel pattern and through multiple fire scars of varying age classes.

Significant Events

Minimal smoldering

Backing

Precipitation received over the fire area on August 3 which slowed any fire progression to the west along the Salmon River. Anticipate fire may continue to grow toward the west once fine fuels become available again.

Outlook

Planned Actions

Continue to assess fire progression and impacts via aerial recon, Lookout, and personnel. Continue to assess fire hazards along the river that may impact river floaters.

Projected Incident Activity

12 hours: Limited fire spread anticipated due to recent precipitation.

24 hours: Limited fire spread anticipated due to recent precipitation.

48 hours: Continued spread down river as fuels dry out and become more receptive, anticipating upslope runs during the burn period.

72 hours: Continued spread down river. Anticipating upslope runs during the burn period. Continue spread down river as fine fuels become receptive.

72 hours: Fire is moving down river. Anticipating steady but not dramatic spread unless an un-forecasted weather event or high winds impact the fire area. Two additional values have been identified because the fire has crossed the Salmon River. One is a historic Lookout (Sheep Hill) and a trail system footbridge. Continue to coordinate with Nez Perce NF regarding these values at risk, and coordinate with Salmon Challis NF to assist with river traffic in the area.

Remarks

Fire has the potential to continue burning throughout the season. Values at risk are few and far between but fire has potential to grow to significant size throughout the summer and impact the values at any time. Fire will likely require a limited amount of resources throughout the summer. Fire crossed the Main Salmon on 7/25/25 onto the Nez Perce NF, however at this time has seen very limited growth since then. Objectives remain the same. Firefighters will continue to remain a presence along the river to help manage the safety of river users.

Current Weather

Weather Concerns

A pair of low pressure systems will bring a chance of thunderstorms to the region today and Sunday. Isolated to scattered thunderstorms will develop across southeast Oregon and far southwest Idaho this afternoon, bringing gusty outflow winds up to 50 mph. On Sunday, a stronger low pressure system and accompanying cold front will bring another round of thunderstorms. The frontal passage will bring widespread gusty winds of 30 to 45 mph that will impact most fire zones between Sunday afternoon and Sunday evening. A chance of showers and thunderstorms remains on Monday.

Public Information

Payette National Forest Fire Information
Phone: 208-634-0820
Hours: 8 AM-8 PM MST

Dispatch Center

Payette Interagency Dispatch Center (IDPAC)

McCall, ID

https://gacc.nifc.gov/gbcc/dispatch/id-pac/pac/index.php