Update Sept. 12, 2024 – State Highway 21 remains closed as the Wapiti Fire continues to burn between Lowman and Stanley. Despite ongoing fire activity, the Idaho Transportation Department has completed a damage assessment of the area.
Emergency contracts have been established, and repair efforts are actively underway. Crews are currently removing hazard trees along the highway, and assessments indicate that approximately 49 road signs and several miles of guardrail will need to be replaced in Boise County. The guardrail is crucial, given the steep slopes along this mountainous highway.
“We are taking a proactive approach to this situation, and as long as it is safe to do so, we will continue our work in the area. Completing the damage assessment was a critical first step, allowing us to secure the necessary resources and determine what needs to be done to safely reopen the highway when the time comes,” Field Operations Manager Eric Copeland said.
Throughout the duration of this fire, ITD crews will continue to conduct twice-daily patrols using loaders to clear burnt trees, rocks, and debris from the highway, ensuring that fire crews and emergency responders can safely access the affected areas.
To date, the Wapiti Fire has burned more than 120,000 acres and is currently 12% contained. As multiple fires continue to impact Southwest Idaho, ITD encourages travelers to check road conditions at 511.idaho.gov before planning their journeys.
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Update Sept. 6, 2024 – Both directions of State Highway 21 remain closed from Sourdough Lodge to Stanley (MP 84 to 130). At the time of this update, the fire has burned more than 100,000 acres and is 12% contained. Traffic to/from the Stanley area can use State Highway 75 as an alternate route. There is no estimate on when SH-21 will reopen.
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Update Aug. 27, 2024 – Lower Stanley is being evacuated due to the movement of the Wapiti Fire. State Highway 75 will be closed at Museum (MP 190), Gateway (MP 192) and Casino Creek (195). Both directions of SH-75 are closed due to the fire risk. State Highway 21 from Stanley to Sour Dough Lodge is still closed in both directions.
We will continue to monitor fire movement and issue road closures as needed. Drivers in the area should keep an eye out for signage about the fire and avoid areas that are blocked off. The road closures include pedestrian, bicycling and other modes of transportation.
Go to 511.idaho.gov for up to date information on road closures and more. You can also follow Wapiti Fire Info 2024 for more fire information.
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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.