A section of the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest in North Latah County remains closed as deer season begins on Friday in Idaho.

The reason for the closure is currently unclear, as the U.S. Forest Service has not provided information regarding the status of the area. The section of forest, located east of State Highway 6 north of Harvard, was closed during Labor Day weekend due to the outbreak of the White Pine Fire.

As of the latest official update from federal officials, the fire is reported to be 93% contained, affecting approximately 1,000 acres. Local photojournalist Brett Hogaboam has documented the fire scene, indicating that the blaze is no longer active and there are no firefighting personnel present. The National Interagency Fire Center in Boise has projected that the fire will be fully contained by Halloween.

Additionally, the Giant White Pine Campground and Laird Park Campground, located north of Harvard, have also been closed since the fire began in August. It is currently uncertain whether the closures of the campgrounds are due to the federal shutdown or the aftermath of the fire. Access to USFS roads near the burn scar remains restricted.