Known as the Gem State, Idaho is famous for its stunning mountains, sparkling lakes, and vast farmland. It’s a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking, camping, and exploring nature. However, behind this postcard-perfect scenery lies a harsh truth: Wildfires in Idaho are a serious threat.
Yes, Idaho does get wildfires. In fact, more often than many people realize.
For many, Idaho is a dream destination for outdoor adventures, but not everyone realizes that human activity, especially careless camping, can spark devastating fires. For instance, on July 17, 2022, the state’s largest wildfire of the year, the Moose Fire, started from an unattended campfire. What began as a camping trip turned into a massive blaze that burned 130,110 acres along the Salmon River near Little Moose Creek and spread across the Salmon-Challis National Forest.
If you live in Idaho, your home is one of 104,782 housing units potentially in danger of wildfires. The Insurance Information Institute ranks it as the seventh state with the most homes at risk for extreme wildfires. It is also among the states with the most wildfires in 2024, according to Statista.
Why Is Idaho So Prone to Wildfires?
Idaho is particularly prone to wildfires due to a combination of natural factors and human activity.
Idaho’s geography is both its greatest asset and its biggest vulnerability. With 21.5 million acres of forestland and an increase of temperature of almost 2°F since the beginning of 20th century, the state is naturally susceptible to wildfire.
In addition, climate change makes snow melt sooner and the land dry out faster. These changes have extended Idaho’s fire season by about a month since the 1980s and have significantly dried out fuels like trees, grasses, and shrubs.
And then there’s human activity. As of May 2025, the Idaho Department of Lands Wildfire Report has reported more than 40 wildfires, and about half of them were started by people. Idaho’s human-caused fires often come from unattended campfires, burning debris, discarded cigarettes, or equipment sparks. Many of these are preventable.
Major Wildfires in Idaho History
Wildfires in Idaho aren’t just a recent problem. The state’s history is filled with massive and landscape-altering blazes that serve as powerful reminders of how destructive fire can be. These events didn’t just scorch the land but they also shifted how Idaho approaches wildfire.
The following are some of the notable cases:
The Big Burn of 1910
After a very dry summer in the Northwest, lightning strikes in the forests of Idaho and Montana sparked numerous small fires in June. This phenomenon was the start of what would become The Big Burn.
In July, the U.S. Forest Service, along with around 4,000 firefighters and military reinforcements, worked hard to keep the fires under control. And for a moment, it seemed like they just might.
However, on August 20, strong winds reaching 70 mph fanned the flames into a massive firestorm. The blaze raged for three days until the rain finally helped bring it under control.
By then, over 3 million acres were burned and the fire simultaneously claimed 85 lives. Seventy-eight of those who were tragically taken by the fire were the brave firefighters. Due to the massive casualty, the Big Burn of 1910 became one of the deadliest wildfires in the history of Idaho.
The Beaver Creek Fire of 2013
On August 7, 2013, just around midnight, lightning sparked the Beaver Creek Fire in Camas County, Idaho. Fueled by dry conditions and pushed by strong winds, the fire surged through the Sawtooth National Forest and eventually reached Blaine County. By mid-August, it had scorched over 111,000 acres and came dangerously close to about 5,000 homes.
The Clearwater Complex Fire of 2015
In August 2015, lightning sparked the Clearwater Complex Fire near Kamiah, Idaho. The fire spread rapidly and burned more than 52,000 acres and destroyed over 50 homes along with dozens of outbuildings. Due to this, authorities issued mandatory evacuations around Kamiah. Despite air support and nearly 800 firefighters on the ground, the fire claimed a 70-year-old woman during evacuation.
The Cost of Wildfire
There is no doubt wildfires can take lives. In addition to this tragic toll, they also come with a hefty price tag.
The Idaho Department of Lands 2024 Annual Report states that the year’s fire season cost a total of $66,637,500. That’s more than triple the cost of the 2018 season, which was already high at $20 million. As wildfire seasons grow longer and more intense, these costs continue to rise.
Beyond the million-dollar cost, wildfires can burn productive timberlands, ruin recreational areas, choke the air with smoke, and disrupt farming and other agricultural activities. For families living nearby, it also meant lost homes, lost income, and serious health risks. However, only when the fire was out did the real work begin. It’s a slow, expensive road to recovery, which includes rebuilding infrastructure, restoring water quality, and bringing back habitats for wildlife.
Despite all of these, not all wildfires are bad. Under the right conditions, small, low-intensity wildfires can benefit Idaho’s ecosystems. These “good” fires clear away dead vegetation, rejuvenate plant life, and create diverse wildlife habitats.
Protecting Idaho: A Shared Responsibility
Wildfires are a tough reality in Idaho. It is a sad truth that clashes with the beautiful mountain trails and lakes. But acknowledging this reality is the first step toward protecting the places and people we love.
However, the growing frequency and intensity of these fires can no longer be ignored. It threatens communities, wildlife, and the very air the locals breathe.
What really hits is that many of these fires could be prevented. A careless campfire, a tossed cigarette, or unattended debris can spark devastation that ripples far beyond the flames. It is a shared responsibility for the local who resides in the state year-round and visitors alike. This social burden calls for awareness, respect, and a little extra caution. After all, every small action matters when it comes to wildlife prevention.
Idaho’s wildfires remind us that this beautiful state isn’t just a paradise but also a living system where everything in nature is connected. When that connection is thrown off, the consequences can ripple through forests, wildlife habitats, and local communities. Every individual in this Gem State has a role to play in protecting that natural harmony. So the next time you head out to enjoy the outdoors, remember: A few simple safety steps can make all the difference between a memorable adventure and a wildfire disaster.