Stay safe and informed during Idaho’s wildfire season. This site provides wildfire alerts, safety tips, air quality updates, and resources for communities, landowners, and families.
What Causes Wildfires?
Wildfires in Idaho are often caused by:
- Lightning strikes
- Campfires left unattended
- Burning debris
- Equipment sparks
- Cigarettes not properly put out
Drought, high temperatures, and wind make wildfires spread faster and farther.
What To Do During Wildfire Season?
Be Ready
- Pack a go-bag with essentials (medications, clothes, water, documents)
- Know your evacuation routes
- Sign up for emergency alerts in your area
- Keep your gas tank full
Stay Safe
- Follow evacuation orders quickly
- Keep windows and doors shut if smoke is heavy
- Run air purifiers or HVAC on recirculate mode
Avoid outdoor activity when air quality is poor
Smoke & Air Quality
- Wildfire smoke can affect your health, especially if you:
- Have asthma or other lung conditions
- Are elderly, a child, or pregnant
- Work outdoors
How to Protect Your Health:
- Stay indoors with windows and doors closed
- Use air purifiers or a HEPA filter
- Limit physical activity outdoors
- Wear an N95 mask if you must go outside
Fire Prevention Tips
Around Your Home:
- Remove dry leaves and branches from gutters and yards
- Keep firewood and propane tanks at least 30 feet from your home
- Use non-flammable landscaping (like gravel, not dry grass)
- Clean roofs and decks regularly
On Public Lands:
- Never leave a campfire unattended
- Use designated fire pits only
- Check for local fire restrictions
- Report illegal burning or sparks from vehicles
Children's Environmental Resources
Why Is Coco Red? – Children learn about how wildfires impact air quality, and can affect their own health.
Why Is Coco Orange? – Children learn about air quality, the Air Now program, and the connection to asthma.
Resources for Communities and Landowners
Idaho resources
Additional resources
Contacts
Phone
Email