BY KAREN BOSSICK

The Sawtooth National Forest has reopened part of area that was closed by the Bible Back Fire.

Areas now open to the public are the Champion Lakes, Phyllis Lake, Wickiup Creek and the East Fork Salmon River above the Bowery Guard Station. Popular recreational areas like Fourth of July and Washington lakes and the Chamberlain Basin are still off limits.

The lightning-caused fire, which is not actively being fought, is now 2,853 acres.

Monsoonal moisture moved up from the south on Thursday, providing a cloud cover that helped keep fire activity to a minimum. But there was no measurable rainfall.

The fire is burning into patchy timber and steep rocky terrain, which is currently confining fire growth along the east perimeter.

But fire activity could increase in the next few days, causing a smoke cloud that could be visible to those living in the Sun Valley area, thanks to gusty winds and drier air predicted for the next few days.

• The lightning-caused Stewart Creek Fire 18 miles northwest of Fairfield experienced heightened fire activity near the south fork of Lime Creek Friday, thanks to a thunder cell that roared through the area Thursday night. Air tankers, helicopters and ground crews spent Friday reinforcing lines in that area.

  The fire is experiencing slight growth on the north side as it moves upslope towards natural barriers in the Solder Mountains. Fire crews have been mopping up the east end of the fire.

• The Wapiti Fire near Grandjean is 4,571 acres and 85 percent contained. Access to Sawtooth and Alpine lakes remains closed. The Stanley Lake campground is open but no dispersed camping is being allowed in the area.