The Cherry Fire, located about one mile northeast of Deary, is currently mapped at 77 acres with 0% containment.
According to a news release from the Idaho Department of Lands, the reduction in acreage from earlier reports is due to more accurate mapping from an infrared flight conducted yesterday (Tue).
The fire is burning primarily in heavy logging slash within an active state endowment timber sale. No structures are currently threatened.
Firefighters worked late into the night Tuesday cutting in handline to connect with dozer line on the north side to protect a nearby endowment timber plantation. Water and retardant drops, along with cooler overnight temperatures, helped slow the fire’s growth.
Lines held through the night and will provide a solid anchor point for crews to continue the hard suppression work today (Wed).
Weather will continue to challenge fire crews with erratic winds and increasing daytime temperatures.
This (Wed) morning the North Idaho Type 3 Incident Management Team officially assumed command of the fire.
Today’s operations will focus on direct suppression tactics, with aviation resources supporting heavy equipment and crews on the ground. Air assets are also positioned to respond quickly to any new wind driven spot fires.
Fire managers ask the public to please adhere to all posted road closures in the area. These restrictions are in place to ensure firefighter and public safety and to allow crews and equipment to move efficiently.
The Idaho Department of Lands, in cooperation with and with assistance from the U.S. Forest Service, Latah County Sheriff’s Office, Bennett Lumber, Clearwater Potlatch Timber Protective Association, Deary Rural Fire Department, and the Montana DNRC is working toward full suppression of this fire. Firefighter and public safety remains the number one priority. There are currently 110 personnel assigned to the incident.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
