Cherry Fire: Rapidly Growing Wildfire Reported Northeast of Deary
UPDATE – July 15, 2025, 4:00 PM PT:
The Cherry Fire has expanded to approximately 130 acres with 0% containment, according to the Idaho Department of Lands. While no structures are currently threatened, fire crews are working to slow the spread using a combination of hand lines and aerial support. About 80 personnel are now on scene. The fire remains northeast of Deary and continues to burn in active logging areas. A Type 3 Incident Management Team is set to take command of the fire response on Wednesday, July 16. Multiple agencies are assisting, including the U.S. Forest Service, Bennett Lumber, Clearwater Potlatch Timber Protective Association, and local fire departments.
DEARY, ID – Fire crews are actively battling the Cherry Fire, a growing wildfire located about one mile northeast of Deary. First reported around 9 p.m. on July 14, the blaze has quickly expanded to an estimated 30 to 50 acres and is burning through heavy slash in active logging units.
As of Tuesday morning, more than 70 personnel are on the scene, supported by a combination of ground and air resources. Current assets include two 20-person hand crews, six engines, two dozers, a feller buncher, two water tenders, a Type 3 helicopter, and air attack coordination. Firefighters worked overnight and reported increased fire activity by morning.
Additional aerial support has been ordered and includes:
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Two Type 1 helicopters
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Two Single-Engine Air Tankers (SEATs)
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One Large Air Tanker (LAT)
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Four single-engine water scoopers (Fire Boss)
A Type 3 Incident Management Team has also been requested to oversee the response as conditions evolve. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
The Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) urges the public to follow all fire restrictions and safety measures. For the latest updates, visit IDL’s Fire News Feed.’
