Idaho fire map & tracker

Preparing for Idaho wildfire season

FAQs

When was the largest wildfire in Idaho history?

The largest Idaho fire in history was the “Big Burn” of 1910. Sparked by lightning in August 1910 and driven by high winds, several small fires merged and spread across Idaho and Western Montana.

Millions of acres and dozens of timber towns were leveled, killing 87 people. The U.S. Forest Service was created as a result to manage wildlands and forest fires.

How common are wildfires in Idaho?

Wildfires are a common and natural part of Idaho’s ecosystem. Many forests and rangelands are in moderate-to-high-risk areas. A history of fire suppression, fuel buildup, and varying climate changes adds to the risk.

Fire readiness is a necessity. Experts at every level of the government urge residents to make their properties more fire resilient, be ready to evacuate, and be prepared to deal with the aftermath of fires.

Which Idaho areas are most prone to wildfires?

A quick look at an Idaho wildfire map of historical blazes would show that some regions of the state are more prone to fires. You’d also see that the start and end dates of the Idaho fire season vary based on terrain and geography.

Here are some general observations about wildfire risks in areas of the state:

• East-central Idaho: This region is home to expansive national forest lands interspersed with dry rangelands. Fast, large fires are common here.
• The Idaho panhandle: The higher elevations in this area attract snow that sticks around longer. When things do eventually dry out, the rugged terrain makes for fires that are hard to control.
• Southern Idaho: The grasses, sage, and invasive cheatgrass dry out early, fueling rapidly spreading fires.
• Central mountains and forests: Rugged landscapes and flammable conifer forests make for fires that can quickly spread and burn uncontained for months.
• Boise Valley: A wildfire in the populated foothills of Boise Valley burned 10,000 acres, showing that the city is not safe from fires, especially in the wildland-urban interface areas.

Make sure you have an Idaho fire map on your phone that’s updated regularly, so you can stay alert and aware.

Are wildfires affecting the insurance industry in Idaho?

Yes, wildfires are affecting the ability of homeowners to get insurance and afford coverage in Idaho. Some carriers are not renewing policies or cancelling coverage in the state. Others are pushing through large rate increases.

Idaho does not have a state-run FAIR Plan for basic coverage when private coverage is unavailable. Homeowners who invest in hardening their homes against wildfires may be more successful in getting affordable wildfire insurance coverage and may also be able to use alternatives.