Idaho Fire Season: In-Depth Guide

Explore details regarding the Idaho fire season from the Western Fire Chiefs Association (WFCA). Learn when is it, how long it lasts, risk factors and more.

In Idaho, the threat of wildfires is driven by a combination of climatic, environmental, and human factors. Against the backdrop of Idaho’s diverse landscapes, ranging from dense forests to expansive grasslands, the onset of fire season brings forth a complex interplay of environmental conditions, historical land management practices, and human activities. This guide aims to give individuals and organizations the information and tools they need to navigate and mitigate the effects of wildfires in the Gem State.

When is Idaho Fire Season?

The Idaho fire season begins in June as temperatures change from spring to summer. As summer progresses, fire activity intensifies, reaching its peak in July and August. These months experience the highest frequency of wildfires due to the combination of dry conditions, increased temperatures, and potential lightning strikes. As September rolls around, the fire frequency gradually decreases.¹

How is Idaho Wildfire Season Changing?

Similar to many of the states in the Western region, Idaho’s wildfires are influenced by various risk factors such as the changing climate and global warming. As the temperatures rise due to global warming, it creates drier conditions, which, in turn, makes vegetation more susceptible to ignition. Global warming can also contribute to more frequent and intense lightning storms, which can ignite wildfires. These factors, combined with other elements like fuel availability and human activities, contribute to the increasing occurrence of wildfires in Idaho.

Over time, Idaho’s wildfire season has grown longer and more intense. Warmer temperatures, reduced snowpack, and earlier snowmelt contribute to drier conditions, extending the period of heightened fire risk. This prolonged season increases the potential for larger and more destructive wildfires.²

Other risk factors on Idaho’s wildfires come from the growth of unnaturally dense and overcrowded vegetation and dead and dying trees, which come from nearly a century of fire suppression. It is estimated that a third of our forests are at high risk of uncharacteristically intense fire, with about 40% of the state’s forest being at moderate risk.³

Recent Idaho Wildfire Incidents

In recent years, wildfire incidents in Idaho have become more common. These wildfires are causing greater damage to properties, threatening communities, and have significant environmental impacts. Some of the consequences include loss of wildlife habitat, air pollution from smoke, and long-term effects on ecosystems. Here are a list of the most recent wildfire incidents that have impacted the state of Idaho:

Historical Idaho Wildfire Trends

Over the past few decades, Idaho has witnessed fluctuations in the number of acres burned by wildfires, reflecting a mix of environmental, climatic, and human factors. While specific acreage varies annually due to variables like weather conditions and fire management strategies, a discernible increasing trend in the average annual acres burned has emerged. This trend aligns with broader patterns observed across western states and is attributed to factors such as prolonged drought, warmer temperatures, historical fire suppression policies, and changes in land use patterns.

Large fire events periodically occur, driven by extreme weather phenomena like lightning storms or prolonged heatwaves, necessitating substantial resources for suppression efforts. Historic forest management practices, including fire suppression policies aimed at prompt extinguishment, have inadvertently led to fuel accumulation in forests, contributing to the intensity and scale of wildfires upon ignition. Human activities, such as urban expansion into wildland areas and recreational pursuits in forested landscapes, further elevate wildfire risks.⁴

Idaho Wildfire Resources

As the state of Idaho grapples with the increasing frequency and severity of wildfires, access to reliable and comprehensive wildfire resources becomes paramount. These resources offer valuable insights into historical wildfire trends, current fire conditions, mitigation strategies, and community resilience efforts, serving as vital pillars in Idaho’s ongoing battle against the destructive impacts of wildfires:

• University of Idaho | Wildland Fire
• Idaho Department of Lands | Fire Management 
• Bureau of Land Management | Idaho Fire Information
• Idaho Department of Lands |Prevent and Prepare

Utilize WFCA’s Fire Map to search for the status of an active wildfire in Idaho. Users can zoom in and select each individual fire to get instant access to the latest published information.