U.S. Forest Service - Payette National Forest

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U.S. Forest Service - Payette National Forest The Payette National Forest is a part of the US Forest Service and is located in central Idaho. The Payette National Forest is located in central Idaho.

It surrounds the communities of McCall, New Meadows, Council, Yellow Pine, and Warren, and is just north of Weiser. Over 120 million years ago, the lands of the Payette National Forest were beachfront property in the western edge of North America. It took eons of collisions, subduction, melting, folding and tilting for central Idaho to appears as it does today. Connected with other public lands, the Forest is part of an expansive and uninterrupted landscape that provides superb habitat for an exceptional array of big game, upland birds and other wildlife. Over 300 species of wildlife make their home on the Payette National Forest. The forest is recognized for its dramatic landscapes, from craggy mountain peaks and shimmering lakes, to plummeting river canyons. Mission
The mission of the USDA Forest Service is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the Nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. The Forest Service motto, "Caring for the Land and Serving People," captures the spirit of our mission, which we accomplish through five main activities:

Protection and management of natural resources on National Forest System lands. Research on all aspects of forestry, rangeland management, and forest resource utilization. Community assistance and cooperation with State and local governments, forest industries, and private landowners to help protect and manage non-Federal forest and associated range and watershed lands to improve conditions in rural areas. Achieving and supporting an effective workforce that reflects the full range of diversity of the American people. International assistance in formulating policy and coordinating U.S. support for the protection and sound management of the world's forest resources. General Information
The Payette National Forest is a U.S. National Forest located in central western Idaho, in parts of Valley, Idaho, Adams, and Washington counties. The land area consists of approximately 2.3 million acres of federally managed lands. It is bordered by Hells Canyon National Recreation Area and the Hells Canyon to the west, Challis National Forest to the east, Boise National Forest to the south, and the Nez Perce National Forest to the north. The Payette National Forest is a part of the Intermountain Region (Region 4). It is under the jurisdiction of a forest supervisor in McCall and is divided into five ranger districts: McCall, Krassel, New Meadows, Council, and Weiser. Comment Policy: http://go.usa.gov/Wbp

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Due to smoke impacts and incoming wet weather, the Payette National Forest will not resume broadcast prescribed fire ope...
10/21/2026

Due to smoke impacts and incoming wet weather, the Payette National Forest will not resume broadcast prescribed fire operations at this time. After this weather event, the forest may resume hazardous fuels reduction through pile burning, if weather and fuels indices meet the required conditions for safe and effective treatment.

Over the next few days, smoke may continue to be visible around project areas. Fire crews will be focused on patrolling and securing previous ignitions across the forest.

Thank you for your patience and support as we work to keep our forests and communities safe.

Tomorrow, the Payette National Forest will not conduct prescribed fire operations. We know many of our communities have ...
10/20/2026

Tomorrow, the Payette National Forest will not conduct prescribed fire operations. We know many of our communities have been experiencing smoke over the past couple of weeks, and we want to provide a pause to allow conditions to improve and give the smoke time to disperse.

We understand how smoke can affect daily life, health, and outdoor activities, and we appreciate your patience as we work to balance forest health with community well‑being.

Tomorrow, crews will focus on patrolling and securing previous ignitions across the forest.

Weather permitting, prescribed fire operations may resume on Thursday. We will continue to keep you informed.

Thank you for your understanding and support.

Photo of the Brush Project area that was treated with prescribed fire to reduce the surface and ladder fuels. To learn more about fuels and research supporting these treatments, visit: https://research.fs.usda.gov/rmrs/fire/fuels

Fire crews successfully completed ignitions yesterday on 400 acres in the Brush Project area and 78 acres in the Mill Cr...
10/20/2026

Fire crews successfully completed ignitions yesterday on 400 acres in the Brush Project area and 78 acres in the Mill Creek/Council Mountain Project area. Today, firefighters will continue firing operations in the Brush Project area with a goal of treating 600 acres, while also patrolling other project areas to keep control lines secure and address any hot spots.

We know that some communities and homes downwind or in drainages have been experiencing more smoke than usual, and we want to acknowledge how challenging that can be. The Forest Service plans prescribed fires carefully and follows all air quality regulations, but even with careful planning, smoke can still settle in certain areas depending on weather and terrain. By postponing ignitions in the Mill Creek/Council Mountain Project area today, we are allowing time for smoke to disperse from some impacted communities. To better understand the air quality in your community, visit the AirNow Fire and Smoke Map, a joint effort between the USDA Forest Service, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and state and local air quality agencies: https://fire.airnow.gov

Prescribed fire is one of the most effective tools we have to reduce the buildup of vegetation that can fuel severe wildfires. By treating these areas now, we can help prevent larger, more intense wildfires that produce much heavier and longer‑lasting smoke. Prescribed fire smoke events are generally shorter in duration than wildfires, closely managed, and conducted under conditions that help reduce smoke impacts as much as possible.

We appreciate the patience and understanding of our neighboring communities as we work toward healthier forests, safer conditions, and cleaner air in the long run. If you are experiencing smoke, please visit https://www.deq.idaho.gov/air-quality/smoke-and-burning/wildfire-smoke/ to learn how to take precautions that support your health.

Images from the Mill Creek/Council Mountain Project yesterday.

Yesterday, fire crews continued to monitor previously treated prescribed fire project areas. All burn units remain secur...
10/19/2026

Yesterday, fire crews continued to monitor previously treated prescribed fire project areas. All burn units remain secure and light smoke is visible. Crews also successfully completed 125 acres of prescribed burning in the Brush Project area.

Today, with favorable weather conditions, fire personnel will continue work on the Brush Project using aerial ignitions. This project is located about 10 miles north of New Meadows, on the west side of Highway 95. Crews will also implement prescribed fire on the Mill Creek/Council Mountain Project using hand ignitions. The Mill Creek/Council Mountain Project is located about 5 miles northeast of Council.

The winds are shifting midweek, increasing the likelihood that smoke will be more easily dispersed. If you encounter smoke while driving, slow down and turn on your headlights. To learn how smoke may affect your health, visit: https://www.deq.idaho.gov/air-quality/smoke-and-burning/wildfire-smoke/. To see current smoke conditions, visit: https://fire.airnow.gov.

Prescribed fire, along with timber harvest and other vegetation‑thinning tools, plays a vital role in improving forest health and reducing the severity of future wildfires. By removing excess brush and smaller trees, we help prevent flames from reaching the crowns of larger trees and create a more diverse, resilient landscape. These treatments break up dense fuels and reduce the risk of fast‑moving, high‑intensity wildfires that can threaten forests, wildlife habitat, and nearby communities.

Prescribed fire also supports healthy wildlife populations. It can improve hunting conditions by opening dense areas, creating easier travel corridors, and encouraging the growth of fresh, nutrient‑rich forage that attracts big game. With reduced underbrush, hunters often find it easier to identify trails, bedding sites, and signs of wildlife activity.

Your safety is our top priority. As hunting season continues, we ask all hunters to avoid active prescribed fire areas and remain alert to firefighters, equipment, and changing conditions. Staying clear of operations keeps everyone safe and allows crews to work efficiently. The project areas are available at our map online: https://usfs.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/sidebar/index.html?appid=d7d4483eb8ae4b249602233af16aebf3¢er=-116.425;44.8317&level=9&hiddenLayers=19760997fc8-layer-69

Photo: Brush Project area before treatment began.

Today’s Brush prescribed fire operations are progressing well and will continue into the early evening. Fire crews are a...
10/17/2026

Today’s Brush prescribed fire operations are progressing well and will continue into the early evening. Fire crews are aiming to treat 100 acres and are close to reaching that goal. One engine has been reassigned to support the Po***ck Road Fire, located on private lands about 12 miles north of the Brush project area.

Tomorrow, crews will focus on patrolling and securing previous ignitions across the forest while continuing operations in the Brush project area.

To learn more about the Payette National Forest's prescribed fire operations, visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r04/payette/alerts/fall-prescribed-fire

Photo: Burning slash on the Brush project area.

Today's prescribed fire operations on the Mill Creek/Council Mountain and Brush projects were a success, with 270 acres ...
10/17/2026

Today's prescribed fire operations on the Mill Creek/Council Mountain and Brush projects were a success, with 270 acres treated to help improve forest health and reduce future wildfire risk. Crews remain on-site to monitor the burn area.

To improve local air quality, fire officials have decided to pause ignitions on the Mill Creek/Council Mountain project. No burning will take place there tomorrow.

Tomorrow’s efforts will shift to the Brush prescribed fire project, where conditions continue to support safe and effective treatment.

Community safety is at the heart of every prescribed fire decision we make and protecting clean air is a responsibility we take seriously. By adjusting operations when smoke conditions could impact nearby towns, we’re working to sustain the health and well‑being of our neighbors while we continue the important work of caring for our public lands.

Photo of prescribed fire on the Mill Creek/Council Mountain Project this morning. The fire consumed surface fuels and left the larger trees to produce a healthier and more fire-adapted ecosystem.

Today, crews are conducting prescribed fire on the Mill Creek/Council Mountain and Brush projects, with a goal of treati...
10/16/2026

Today, crews are conducting prescribed fire on the Mill Creek/Council Mountain and Brush projects, with a goal of treating 300 acres today. Approximately 60 fire personnel are assigned and are working closely with meteorologists and air quality specialists to ensure conditions are safe and to minimize smoke impacts to nearby communities.

Prescribed fire is a low to moderate intensity fire applied under specific weather and fuel conditions and managed by trained wildfire professionals. This planned fire acts as a treatment to improve forest health by:

• Reducing forest density. Trees that grow too close together compete for resources and are more vulnerable to disease, insects, drought, and severe wildfires. Prescribed fire naturally thins weaker trees, recycles nutrients, and helps remaining trees grow stronger, larger, and more resilient.
• Improving wildlife habitat. These fires help reestablish a mosaic of vegetation types, age classes, and understory structures. This improves forage, creates openings, and enhances travel corridors—benefiting wildlife and supporting a healthy ecosystem.
• Increasing biodiversity. Fire reduces competition from invasive species and supports fire adapted native plants, boosting overall forest resilience.
• Lessening the severity of wildfires. By reducing fuels like leaf litter, pine needles, and shrubs, prescribed fire lowers the risk of high severity wildfires.

Photo taken this morning of the Mill Creek/Council Mountain project after yesterday's ignitions.

The Payette National Forest successfully completed prescribed fire ignitions today on the Mill Creek/Council Mountain an...
10/15/2026

The Payette National Forest successfully completed prescribed fire ignitions today on the Mill Creek/Council Mountain and Brush prescribed fire projects, treating approximately 300 acres. Crews remain on-scene to monitor the burn area. An additional 300 acres are planned for ignition tomorrow, weather permitting.

Location details:
• Mill Creek/Council Mountain Project: About 5 miles northeast of Council
• Brush Project: About 10 miles north of New Meadows, on the west side of Highway 95

What to expect:
• Temporary area closures may be in place for public safety - please watch for signs and crews.
• Some smoke may be visible during and shortly after operations. As winds shift, residents and visitors may experience smoke in communities. If you encounter smoke while driving, slow down and turn on your headlights. To learn how smoke may affect your health, visit: https://www.deq.idaho.gov/air-quality/smoke-and-burning/wildfire-smoke/. To see current smoke conditions, visit: https://fire.airnow.gov.

Why is the project being completed now: Cooler temperatures, shorter days, and increased fuel moisture create optimal conditions for prescribed fire. Agency officials will continue to monitor weather conditions and will adjust plans accordingly.

What are the benefits: This project lowers wildfire risk by removing overgrown vegetation and increasing ecosystem resiliency.

Image: The Goose Prescribed Fire consumed overgrown and dead surface fuels, leaving mature conifer trees. This photo was taken last week, only one day after ignition.

The Payette National Forest expects to begin ignitions as early as today if conditions allow. Implementation may last th...
10/14/2026

The Payette National Forest expects to begin ignitions as early as today if conditions allow. Implementation may last through the weekend.

Goose Rx:
- Approximately 4.5 miles east of New Meadows. 2.5 miles south of Goose Creek and Last Chance CG.

Cold Rx:
- Approximately 8 miles west of New Meadows.

Mill Creek/Council Mountain Rx:
- Approximately 5 miles northeast of Council

These burns help reduce overgrown vegetation, improve forest health, and lower wildfire risk.

Temporary closures may be in place. Watch for signs and crews in the area.

Smoke is possible. Check AirNow.gov for air quality, and slow down with headlights on if you encounter smoke on the road.

Weather conditions will continue to be evaluated each day.

A look behind the scenes in to the “Why?” Of prescribed burning.• Improving Wildlife Habitat & Forest Structure: Fire cr...
10/07/2026

A look behind the scenes in to the “Why?” Of prescribed burning.
• Improving Wildlife Habitat & Forest Structure: Fire creates "diverse forest structures." It removes small trees and brush in the understory that crowd out native plants. By opening the forest canopy, it allows sunlight to reach the ground, which promotes a flush of new vegetation.
• Promoting Growth & Recyclable Nutrients: Aids in recycling soil nutrients and promotes plant growth. Fire clears the thick leaf and needle layers to improve the seedbed for fire-adapted native vegetation. This fresh growth provides immediate food for species like deer, elk, turkey, and songbirds.
• Creating Critical Ecosystem Features: Using low- to moderate-intensity fires purposefully create "snags" (standing dead trees). Snags are not "wasted timber" but are important to many bird and bat species for nesting, roosting, and foraging.
• Lessening Wildfire Severity: Managing "fuel loads" (such as leaf litter, pine needles, and dead shrubs) reduces the risk of extreme, high-severity, stand-replacing blazes. These severe wildfires are what truly devastate a watershed and permanently destroy animal habitats.

Address

500 N Mission Street
McCall, ID
83638

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+12086340700

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