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COOLIN – For public and firefighter safety, Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) roads and trails providing access from the Priest Lake side of the Selkirk Mountains to Chimney Rock, Mount Roothaan, Fault Lake, Hunt Lake, and Gunsight Peak are temporarily closed to public access.
This closure is necessary due to the active Silver Fire and ongoing wildfire suppression operations in the area. Firefighters, fire engines, heavy equipment, aircraft, and other suppression resources are operating within and around these access routes. Conditions may change rapidly, and the presence of active fire and suppression operations creates significant hazards to the public.
The closure includes, but is not limited to, the following routes:
• Chimney Rock and Mount Roothaan Trailhead (IDL Road 25) – Trailhead closed at the end of IDL Road 25.
• Hunt Lake, Fault Lake, Gunsight Peak Trailhead (IDL Road 241) – Trailhead closed at the end of IDL Road 241.
The closure applies to motorized and non-motorized public use, including vehicles, motorcycles, ATVs/UTVs, bicycles, hikers, horseback riders, and other recreational users.
The purpose of this temporary closure is to protect the public and firefighters while planned wildfire suppression operations are underway in response to the Silver Fire.
Visitors entering the closure area may encounter: • Active fire and rapidly changing fire conditions
• Fire crews and suppression equipment operating on roads and trails
• Heavy equipment and falling trees
• Fire engines and other emergency vehicles
• Aircraft operating at low elevations
• Smoke and reduced visibility
• Temporary road obstructions and other hazards associated with suppression activities Do not enter closed roads or trails, bypass closure signs or barricades, or interfere with firefighting operations.
A temporary flight restriction is in place. Flying drones near wildfires is dangerous for pilots and firefighters and can bring wildfire suppression efforts to a halt.
This closure will remain in effect until fire conditions and suppression activities no longer present a significant public safety hazard and the area is determined safe for reopening.
Additional roads, trails, or areas may be closed as necessary to support wildfire suppression operations.
The public is asked to respect all closure signs, barricades, and instructions from firefighters, law enforcement, and land-management personnel.
For personal safety and the safety of firefighters working the Silver Fire, stay out of the closure area.
For questions regarding the closure, contact the IDL Priest Lake office at 208-920-6598.
