Fire Policy and Management

Idaho’s landscape is a diverse pattern, ranging from the towering pine trees, to the clustered sagebrush. Pristine mountain ranges, lush forests, and sparkling bodies of water help create the state we all love.

Throughout the summer months, the number of large fires has risen significantly. Between 15 and 20 fires currently blaze across 300,000 acres of Idaho’s wilderness. According to the National Interagency Fire Center, approximately 800,000 acres have already burned in Idaho from unwanted wildfires. The largest fire is the Murphy Complex which is now burning across 649,131 acres.

In Idaho, many communities, farm lands and wilderness have been and may be soon threatened by fires. The National Preparedness Level has been raised to five, indicating that all federal firefighting resources are fully committed. Both the Idaho and federal government have organized agencies and programs to help fight, manage and prevent wildfires.

There are many factors leading to the recent flare in wildfires. Current conditions are hot, dry and frequent thunderstorms. Yet more than four out of every five forest fires are started by negligent human behavior. Though we cannot control nature’s course, with the right education we can all work together to prevent wildfire, keep our communities safe, and help preserve Idaho’s great outdoors.

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