SH-21 near Grandjean remains closed due to fire activity

The Wapiti Fire burning in the Boise National Forest.

Update Aug. 23, 2024 – The State Highway 21 closure has been expanded from Sourdough Lodge to Stanley (MP 84 to 130) due to wildfire activity from the Wapiti Fire. Only local traffic is permitted between the Sourdough and Warm Springs Airstrip. There is no public access from the highway to surrounding areas including Grandjean, Bull Trout, Cape Horn, Boundary Creek, or Seafoam.

Traffic to/from the Stanley area can use State Highway 75 as an alternate route. Access to local businesses in Lowman and Stanley remains open at this time. Please check with the Boise and Sawtooth National Forests for area closure information. Please check with the Boise and Custer County Sheriffs’ Offices for local road closures and evacuation orders.

There is no estimate on when SH-21 will reopen. Fire information can be found on the National Interagency Fire Center’s website.

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Update Aug. 22, 2024 – State Highway 21 remains closed from Warm Springs Creek to Stanley (MP 92 to 130) due to wildfire activity from the Wapiti Fire. There is currently no public access to the Grandjean area, as the fire’s currently burning on both sides of the highway. Motorists planning to travel between Boise and Stanley must take an alternate route through Ketchum on State Highway 75. There is no estimate for when the road will reopen as fire activity remains unpredictable at this time.

If you are traveling on SH-21, please stay alert for increased fire traffic. It’s crucial not to slow crews down as they work to manage the fire. Avoid traveling to closure points to wait. For your safety, check 511.idaho.gov before you go!

Fire information can be found on the National Interagency Fire Center’s website.

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Aug. 20, 2024 – The Wapiti Fire burning in the Boise National Forest has forced the closure of State Highway 21 near Grandjean. Motorists planning to travel between Boise and Stanley will need to take an alternate route through Ketchum on State Highway 75. There is no estimate for when the road will reopen.

The Wapiti Fire is 10% contained and has burned more than 9,000 acres. The Idaho Transportation Department encourages all drivers to check 511.idaho.gov for current conditions on your route.

Here are some additional safety tips for traveling in areas with wildfires:

  • Power outages are common near wildfires. Treat non-working traffic signals as four-way stops.
  • Bring additional food and water in case your trip is delayed.
  • Driving in smoke is similar to driving in heavy fog. Slow down, maintain a steady pace, and stay alert.
  • Turn on headlights when driving in smoky areas.
  • The safest place to wait for a highway to reopen is at home.  Avoid traveling to closure points to wait, as closures could last for days.

Fire information can be found on the National Interagency Fire Center’s website.