Yes, big wildfires are burning in popular areas of the state. But to put it in perspective, Idaho covers around 83,500 square miles, and the three major fires in Central Idaho total about 674 square miles.

So it’s probably OK to go for it. There’s a three-day weekend, after all.

One hangup, though, can be the smoke. Campers in many parts of Central Idaho likely will experience smoke in low-lying areas. But in other spots, the air is clear.

“Despite what the weather forecast would tell you, it’s been really clear and pleasantly cool up here all week,” said April Russell, a spokeswoman at Brundage Mountain in McCall, where they are running the lifts for hikers, sightseers and mountain bikers through Monday.

“The weekend forecast looks good, too. I hope people don’t stay away because of the Smokopolypse happening elsewhere,” Russell said.

River outfitters on the Main, North (Cabarton) and South forks of the Payette River are expecting a busy Labor Day.

“The weekend’s looking pretty good,” said Ben Florence, owner of Bear Valley Rafting in Banks.

He said fires in the area are “pretty much out” and not affecting rafting.

WHAT’S OPEN

Here’s a glimpse of conditions from the U.S. Forest Service.

• The Halstead Fire is still burning northwest of Stanley, but most trails in the Sawtooths and White Clouds are open, as are most campgrounds around Stanley.

• Idaho 21 is open.

• A nearly 15-mile stretch of Idaho 75 — from Lower Stanley to Gardner Creek — was shut down at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday. The highway is closed until further notice.

• The choices for weekend recreation are wide-open around Riggins, McCall, Cascade, Garden Valley, Council and Sun Valley.

• Campgrounds along Idaho 21 around Idaho City are available. However, a large area of the Middle and North forks of the Boise River is closed because of fire.

RESTRICTIONS

Don’t forget your camp stove for the safest way to cook. Land managers recommend forgoing the campfire and cooking on a propane or gas camp stove.

Stage One fire restrictions are in effect, which means campfires are allowed only in fire pits in developed campgrounds or picnic areas.

HUNTING

Idaho Fish and Game says hunters affected by a fire closure may hunt later, or exchange general tags to hunt in a different area. But tags must be exchanged before the season begins.

Hunters with controlled tags may exchange them for general season tags, but controlled hunting fees will not be refunded.

Fish and Game will consider requests for rain checks or refunds in the event that access to a hunting unit is blocked by fire.

Pete Zimowsky: 377-6445, Twitter: @Zimosoutdoors