STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK

Fourth of July Lake has been reopened to the public, as has Washington Lake, the Chamberlain Basin and other popular recreational areas in the White Cloud Mountains.

Jim Demaagd, acting forest supervisor for the Sawtooth National Forest, has terminated the closure area for the Bible Back Fire 11 miles northeast of Smiley Creek, allowing access into all areas.

That doesn’t mean the fire is out, however, although this week’s rain and snow is certainly putting a damper on it.

Recreational users should expect to find stumps, logs and trees still burning and trees that might fall unexpectedly. Other hazards include hot stump holes and falling rocks, said Fire information Officer Bobbi Filbert.

Don’t worry about reporting fire in the area. The Forest Service is monitoring the fire as needed until significant snowfall arrives.

The Bible Back Fire, started by lightning on Aug. 18, has exceeded 3,100 acres. After an initial air attack with some ground support, the Forest Service decided not to actively fight it because it was burning in patchy timber and steep rocky terrain that was difficult to access, eventually moving into the wilderness area.