The Cherry Fire, located about one mile northeast of Deary, is currently mapped at 113 acres with 10% containment. No structures are currently threatened. The fire is burning primarily in heavy logging slash within an active state endowment timber sale, and a small portion of the Nez Perce Clearwater National Forests.
Snagging operations continued yesterday, as sawyers worked in from the fires edge to mitigate hazard trees ahead of crews conducting mop up. Crews mop up from the fireline inward, eliminating areas of heat and smoldering material using water and hand tools. Elevated fire weather concerns are expected through tomorrow, with a Red Flag Warning for warm and dry conditions with gusty winds. The work put in by crews this week is critical to the continued holding of the fireline.
A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) remains in place over the fire area for a 2 mile radius. TFRs are communicated through Notices to Airmen and restrict all aircraft (including drones) from operating in the fire area without permission. When multiple firefighting aircraft are engaged in suppression, an aerial supervisor called ‘Air Attack’ is the eyes in the sky to coordinate water and retardant drops, and deconflict approaches and flight paths. Any unauthorized aircraft poses a serious hazard to aviation personnel, necessitating the grounding of aircraft and a potential delay of valuable fire suppression efforts. Fire managers also ask the public to please adhere to the road closure for Brush Creek Road to allow crews and equipment to move safely and 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, Juliaetta Fire Department, and the Montana DNRC is working toward full suppression of this fire. Firefighter and public safety remain the number one priority.
The fire cause is currently under investigation.
