DEARY, ID – The Cherry Fire, located one mile northeast of Deary, has reached full containment at 113 acres, officials announced Monday morning. Management of the fire is now transitioning from the North Idaho Type 3 Incident Management Team to the local Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) Pondarosa supervisory office.
Although the fire is 100% contained, it is not yet declared out. Firefighters will remain on site to conduct mop-up operations, focusing on extinguishing lingering heat sources, particularly those in deep logging slash. These efforts are critical to preventing possible reignition, say officials.
With containment achieved, excess equipment and personnel are being released for potential deployment to new or emerging wildfires across the region.
Authorities expressed appreciation to the local community for its support and urged the public to avoid the area while mop-up work continues.
IDL officials also reminded the public that Latah County remains under Closed Burning Season regulations through October 20. Outdoor burning requires permits, which are not currently being issued due to high fire danger. Recreational campfires are permitted, but residents are urged to ensure fires are completely extinguished: “Drown it, Stir it, Check it.”
The cause of the Cherry Fire remains under investigation.
