2023 Idaho wildfires

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2023 Idaho wildfires
Smoke from the Elkhorn Fire, viewed on July 30
Statistics
Total fires892[1]
Total area87,801[1]
Season
2024 →

The 2023 Idaho wildfire season was a series of wildfires that burned throughout the U.S. state of Idaho.

Predictions made by the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) at the start of the season forecast an above-average potential for most of Idaho. This elevated fire potential stemmed in part from two consecutive wet winters, which encouraged excessive brush and vegetation growth that later dried out under summer heat.[2]

Background

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While the "fire season" in Idaho varies every year based on fire weather conditions, most wildfires occur from June to September.[3] Fire activities normally increase in July and August because of drier conditions, hotter temperatures, and more lightning strikes from thunderstorms. However, wildfire severity can vary every year based on preseason conditions such as snowpack and the overcrowded growth of vegetation and dying trees.[4]

Summary

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The 2023 Idaho wildfire season was relatively mild by historical standards. Across the state, a total of 87,801 acres burned—far below the 10-year average (~600,000 acres).[5][6]

Although acreage was low, of the 284 wildfires reported statewide in 2023, 206 were attributed to human causes, versus 78 by lightning.[7] Fire suppression costs were substantial, the Idaho Department of Lands reported $15.76 million (2023 USD) spent by late August, with net obligations (after reimbursements) of $13.53 million (2023 USD).[8] Within the Idaho Department of Lands protected lands by August 28, 2023, wildfires consumed 80,956 acres (including federal, private, and state land breakdowns).[9] Human-caused fires heavily outnumbered natural ignitions; officials noted that neglected campfires, debris burning, or other human activities were major contributors.[10]

List of wildfires

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The following is a list of fires that burned more than 1,000 acres (400 ha), or produced significant structural damage or casualties.

Name County Acres Start date Containment date Notes Ref
Little Bear Idaho 1,291 July 3 Lightning-caused. Burned 12 miles (19 km) west of Powell. [11]
Southtom Ada 1,130 July 10 July 10 Burned 12 miles (19 km) south of Boise Airport. [12]
Hayden Lemhi 24,706 July 19 Undetermined cause. Burned in Salmon-Challis National Forest. [13][14]
Elkhorn Idaho 26,048 July 24 Caused by an improperly extinguished campfire that rekindled. Destroyed several structures in Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. [15][16]
Ridge Creek Kootenai 4,474 August 3 September 26 Undetermined cause. Prompted evacuations and closed Lake Hayden. [17][18]
East Valley 3,313 August 16 Undetermined cause. Burned 10 miles (16 km) east of Cascade. [19][20]
Black Mountain Twin Falls 1,312 August 20 Lightning-caused. Burned 23 miles (37 km) southeast of Twin Falls. [21]
Big Creek Franklin 2,980 August 26 November 2 Lightning-caused. 18 miles (29 km) southwest of Montpelier. [22]
Telegraph Lincoln 2,000 August 29 August 30 Burned 10 miles (16 km) north of Shoshone. [23]
Wedge Blaine 7,375 September 9 September 10 Caused by a vehicle dragging an object on State Route 75. [24]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b "National Interagency Coordination Center Wildland Fire Summary and Statistics Annual Report 2023" (PDF). National Interagency Fire Center.
  2. ^ Blenkinsop, Sofia (June 7, 2024). "National Interagency Fire Center predicts high-risk wildfire season in Idaho". Boise State Public Radio News. NPR News. Retrieved April 26, 2025.
  3. ^ "Idaho Wildfire Emissions Estimates". www2.deq.idaho.gov. Idaho Department of Environmental Quality. Retrieved April 26, 2025.
  4. ^ "Idaho Fire Season: In-Depth Guide". wfca.com. May 21, 2024. Retrieved April 26, 2025.
  5. ^ "Idaho Wildfire Emissions Estimates". Retrieved October 5, 2025.
  6. ^ "2023: Idaho's Year in Wildfire". Retrieved October 5, 2025.
  7. ^ "State reports 284 wildfires this season, most human-caused". Retrieved October 5, 2025.
  8. ^ "Statewide Fire Update – 9/1/2023". Retrieved October 5, 2025.
  9. ^ "Statewide Fire Update – 9/1/2023". Retrieved October 5, 2025.
  10. ^ "Almost three-fourths of fires Idaho state officials tracked in 2023 were human caused". Retrieved October 5, 2025.
  11. ^ "Little Bear - Wildfire and Smoke Map". data.democratandchronicle.com. Retrieved October 11, 2025.
  12. ^ "Crews contain 1,300-acre fire south of Boise". KBOI-TV. July 11, 2023. Retrieved October 11, 2025.
  13. ^ "Hayden Fire". InciWeb. Archived from the original on July 24, 2023. Retrieved July 30, 2023.
  14. ^ "Hayden Fire now 17,000+ acres". KBOI-TV. July 30, 2023. Retrieved October 11, 2025.
  15. ^ "Elkhorn Fire". InciWeb. Retrieved July 30, 2023.
  16. ^ "Report of Investigation" (PDF). www.fs.usda.gov. October 31, 2023. Retrieved October 11, 2025.
  17. ^ "Ridge Creek - Wildfire and Smoke Map". data.cincinnati.com. Retrieved October 11, 2025.
  18. ^ Teneyck, Alexa (August 16, 2023). "Ridge Creek fire near Hayden Lake burns over 3,124 acres with level 1 evacuation issued". KHQ-TV. Retrieved October 11, 2025.
  19. ^ "East Fire". InciWeb. Retrieved November 7, 2023.[dead link]
  20. ^ "Progress made on the East Fire burning near Cascade, crews achieve 39% fire containment". KTVB. August 28, 2023. Retrieved October 11, 2025.
  21. ^ "Black Mountain - Wildfire and Smoke Map". data.indystar.com. Retrieved October 11, 2025.
  22. ^ "Big Creek - Wildfire and Smoke Map". datacentral.desmoinesregister.com. Retrieved October 11, 2025.
  23. ^ "UPDATE: Telegraph Fire estimated at 2,000 acres". KMVT. August 30, 2023. Retrieved October 11, 2025.
  24. ^ Jones, Emily (September 10, 2023). "Update: Wedge Fire contained south of Timmerman Hill". Idaho Mountain Express. Retrieved October 11, 2025.