Wildfire Alert: Cherry Fire – Current as of 10:00 AM PT on 7/16/2025

Idaho Department of Lands sent this bulletin at 07/16/2025 11:05 AM MDT

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#CherryFire Morning Update – July 16

(Deary, Idaho) – The Cherry Fire, located about one mile northeast of Deary, is currently mapped at 77 acres with 0% containment. The reduction in acreage from earlier reports is due to more accurate mapping from an infrared flight conducted yesterday.

No structures are currently threatened. The fire is burning primarily in heavy logging slash within an active state endowment timber sale.

Firefighters worked late into the night 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.

Nightshift crews monitored the constructed firelines for spot fires. Lines held through the night and will provide a solid anchor point for crews to continue the hard suppression work today.

Weather will continue to challenge fire crews with erratic winds and increasing daytime temperatures.

This 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 fire cause is currently under investigation.

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#idlfireinfo #CherryFire

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MEDIA CONTACT:  

Jennifer Russell, PIOC

North Idaho IMT1

Cherry Fire Information Phone: 208-923-1340

Email: 2025.cherry@firenet.gov

Most wildfires are caused by humans. Be part of the solution – learn how!

· Be aware of and follow all fire restrictions

· During closed burn season, before burning debris apply for a free burn permit – it’s the law

· Use campfires safely by staying clear of flammable debris and burning on mineral soil

· Maintain vehicles and OHVs properly – especially their tires - so you don’t spark a fire

· Secure trailer chains so they don’t drag and cause a fire

· Never park over dry grass because hot exhaust systems can start a fire

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For the most current information about wildfires on land protected by the Idaho Department of Lands, please visit https://www.idl.idaho.gov/fire-news-feed/.

Idaho Department of Lands in partnership with two Timber Protection Associations and with the support of rural volunteer fire departments and other partners, provides fire suppression and prevention on 9.6 million acres of state and private forests and rangelands in Idaho. IDL focuses on initial attack with the goal of keeping fires at 10 acres or less. IDL protects and preserves important endowment timber assets that help fund Idaho schools and other beneficiaries, as well as millions of acres of private forestland.

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