Huge Valley County wildfire burning out control; now charring almost 19,300 acres

The Bearskin Fire burning in the Boise National Forest in Valley County has now charred some 19,296 acres -– and continues to burn out of control.

Four crews of 106 personnel are on the fire lines, which is reported to be zero percent contained.

On Monday, the fire moved south and west toward the Deadwood Reservoir, some 25 miles southeast of Cascade, fire officials said.

It backed down south of National Forest Service Road 510 into the Warm Springs and Wilson drainages. A smoke inversion remained in place for most of the day and is now only partially lifted.

Crews made progress chipping the felled trees north of Deadwood Reservoir along the NFS road 555 (Scout Mountain/Deadwood Road) and NFS road 579 (Landmark to Stanley Road). Snags along the corridor are being removed for public and firefighter safety. Felling the trees and chipping helps reduce the heavy fuel load and enhances the ability of the roads to act as fuels breaks, officials explained.

A red flag warning is still in place -- as hot, dry and unstable weather continues to dominate our area. Winds may move the fire in the direction of the Elk Creek Guard station.

At last report, the fire is about two miles east of the Reservoir -- and there has been limited spread into the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness on the northeast side of the fire.

The Bearskin Fire area closure has been put in place for public safety -- and includes the Deadwood Reservoir area and all the campgrounds in the vicinity.

The NFS road 582 through Bear Valley remains open. The Closure Order information and maps are available at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/boise/alerts-notices[links.govdelivery.com] or at Forest Service ranger stations. Information is also posted on bulletin boards on roads into the Bear Valley area.

Forest visitors will need to plan their trips accordingly.

Stage 1 fire restrictions are in effect on public and private lands under fire protection of the Boise National Forest, Boise BLM and State of Idaho. Campfires are only permitted in developed recreation sites with an agency provided structure. Smoking is allowed in a cleared area of at least three feet in diameter, in a vehicle or in a developed recreation site.