Accurate mapping indicates that the Cherry Fire burning north of Deary has affected 77 acres. Currently, the fire is 0% contained and is impacting heavy logging slash in an active State of Idaho endowment timber sale. The Idaho Department of Lands reports that firefighting crews have made efforts to slow the fire’s growth overnight. As of now, the Latah County Sheriff’s Office has not issued any evacuation orders, although some roads in the fire zone are closed. A total of 110 firefighters are working to control the blaze, supported by aircraft that are dropping water on the flames. Earlier estimates suggested the fire had reached around 130 acres.

The fire ignited on Monday night and expanded rapidly on Tuesday. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. The Idaho Department of Lands is leading the firefighting response with assistance from the sheriff’s office, Bennett Lumber, Clearwater Potlatch Timber Protective Association, Deary Volunteer Firefighters, and the Montana Department of Natural Resources.