Current News Coverage
Idaho Land Board gives state authority to pay wildfire bills if they exceed available funding
Idaho Capital Sun, 6-20-25
A board chaired by Idaho Gov. Brad Little gave the state the authority Tuesday to pay bills fighting wildfires in the event expenses exceed the available funding provided by the Idaho Legislature.
The Idaho State Board of Land Commissioners, often referred to as simply the land board, voted Tuesday at the Idaho State Capitol in Boise to authorize the use of deficiency warrants to pay wildfire suppression costs if those costs exceed funding available in the budget.
In the event the costs exceed funding in the budget, Idaho State Controller Brandon Woolf would be authorized to draw deficiency warrants against the state’s general fund budget.
The process is legal under state law, and basically amounts to using a credit card to pay wildfire bills that exceed funding.
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Idaho public lands board opts for outside legal counsel for most legal services amid AG's opposition
KTVB, 6-19-25
BOISE, Idaho — This story originally appeared in the Idaho Press.
The governing board overseeing Idaho’s public lands voted Tuesday to use outside attorneys hired by the Idaho Department of Lands as its legal counsel rather than the Idaho Attorney General’s Office.
The move was strongly opposed by Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador, a member of the board and who, by law, typically serves as the lawyer for the state and all its entities.
The Idaho Board of Land Commissioners, as established in the state Constitution, is made up of the five constitutional officers: the governor, superintendent of public instruction, secretary of state, state controller, and attorney general. Lawmakers have attempted before the remove the attorney general as legal advisor to the board in the past, arguing he has an outsized voice as a member and lawyer of the group.
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AI detection helps Idaho fire crews respond in minutes
KTVB, 6-18-25
BOISE, Idaho — Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing wildfire detection across Idaho as fire agencies turn to high-tech cameras to help protect the state's forests heading into another wildfire season.
The Idaho Department of Lands has deployed 25 to 30 AI wildfire detection cameras statewide, mostly in forests in North Idaho, serving as modern-day lookout towers watching over thousands of acres.
"Just a few weeks ago, we had a few fires that were spotted that would have probably gone a day or two without detection if it wasn't for the cameras," Idaho Department of Lands Deputy Director of Plans Scott Hayes said.
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Kooskia City Council: Total fireworks ban possibility; award letter for Phase II
Idaho County Free Press, 6-18-25
KOOSKIA — Kooskia City Council members Kama Payton, Bonnie Willis, Greg Gibler, and Dannette Payton (who attended by phone) met in regular session on Wednesday, June 11. City officials Tina Ulmer, mayor; Kirk MacGregor, attorney; Teresa Lytle, clerk; and Carlos Martinez, maintenance superintendent, were present.
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Although the only city ordinance about fireworks bans them in the park, there was discussion of the possibility of a total ban if the weather is hot and dry enough for the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) to ban them in the region. If fire danger is increased, the council agreed to follow the IDL total ban. Note: Idaho law prohibits aerial and explosive fireworks anywhere in the state, whether inside or outside of city limits. “Safe and sane” fireworks (sparklers, ground displays, fountains) are legal during set periods, but can be further restricted, as well.
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Idaho Land Board votes to hire outside legal counsel instead of AG Raúl Labrador
Idaho Capital Sun, 6-17-25
The Idaho State Board of Land Commissioners voted to be represented by outside legal counsel hired by the Idaho Department of Lands – not Attorney General Raúl Labrador, who is also a member of the land board.
During a Tuesday meeting at the Idaho State Capitol in Boise, the board voted to approve a new legal representation policy that states, “The land board shall receive its legal counsel through attorneys employed by the (Idaho Department of Lands).”
The new policy also states, “The land board shall be represented by its legal counsel in all courts and before all administrative tribunals or bodies of any nature.”
The policy also states that the legal counsel shall provide updates to the land board on pending and potential litigation.
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Idaho fire outlook 'not looking good,' forecasts show
NCWLife.com, 6-17-25
BOISE — Idaho’s fire season is already underway and expected to be active this year.
A wet spring has led to a hot, dry start to June in the state, meaning a lot of grass grew and is now drying out, adding to potential wildfire fuels. Those conditions combined with a projected hot, dry summer can lead to a busy fire season, Jim Wallmann, a meteorologist with the National Interagency Fire Center, told the Idaho Board of Land Commissioners at a meeting Tuesday.
“Right now, things are not looking good,” Wallmann said.
As of Tuesday morning, the land under Idaho Department of Lands protection — which can include state endowment, private and some federal land — has had 89 fires covering just over 300 acres, according to IDL Chief of Fire Management Josh Harvey.
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Farm Bureau Insurance Company of Idaho increases support for wildfire protection in rural communities
Idaho State Journal, 6-17-25
For the second consecutive year, Farm Bureau Insurance Company of Idaho has donated to Idaho's Rangeland Fire Protection Associations, increasing its total contribution to $45,000 in 2025. Nine RFPAs across the state received $5,000 each to help fund their efforts to protect rural communities and agricultural lands from wildfires.
The company launched this annual initiative in 2024 and expanded it this year in both scope and impact, reinforcing its long-term commitment to the volunteers who play a critical role in early wildfire response across Idaho's rangelands.
"RFPA volunteers are often the first line of defense when wildfires break out in rural Idaho," said Dana May, director of customer experience and marketing at Farm Bureau Insurance Company of Idaho. "Our support is a way to say thank you — and to help ensure they have the equipment and training needed to respond safely and effectively. It's an important part of our mission to protect Idaho's communities."
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Burn permits closed for most of Kootenai County and the surrounding areas
KXLY, 6-12-25
KOOTENAI COUNTY, Idaho -- If you live within the Idaho Department of Lands Mica Fire District, you won't be able to get a burn permit until further notice.
On June 12, Kootenai County Fire Prevention Co-Op announced no further burn permits will be issued in the Mica Fire District, which includes most of Kootenai County, including Coeur d'Alene, Hayden, Post Falls, Rathdrum, Athol, Spirit Lake and the surrounding areas.
The closure does not affect recreational fires or campfires in approved established fire pits in recreational campgrounds.
The burn permit closure does apply to yard waste, burn barrels and hand piled slash piles.
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Burn permits closed in IDL Mica Fire District
Coeur d'Alene Press, 6-13-25
Burn permits will not be issued as of Thursday in the Idaho Department of Lands' Mica Fire District, which includes Coeur d'Alene, Hayden, Post Falls, Rathdrum, Athol, Spirit Lake and surrounding areas.
Current burn permits, good for 10 days, will be allowed to expire. The closure does not affect recreational fires or campfires in approved established fire pits in recreational campgrounds, a press release said.
The closure affects yard waste permits, burn barrels and hand-piled slash piles. Machine-piled slash piles have already been closed.
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Burn permits closed in Kootenai County’s Mica Fire District
Fox28, 6-12-25
KOOTENAI COUNTY, Idaho – The Kootenai County Fire Prevention Co-op (KCFPC) announced that no new burn permits will be issued in the Idaho Department of Lands Mica Fire District.
This decision impacts the cities of Coeur d’Alene, Hayden, Post Falls, Rathdrum, Athol, Spirit Lake and surrounding areas.
All existing burn permits will stay valid until their expiration, 10 days after issuance, according to the KCFPC. However, the closure does not apply to recreational fires or campfires in approved campground fire pits.
“The current closure affects yard waste permits, burn barrels and hand piled slash piles. Machine piled slash piles have already been closed,” the KCFPC clarified.
Additionally, fireworks are prohibited in all forests within the Mica District. Despite the restriction, fire danger remains at a “moderate” level, with the Idaho Department of Lands keeping a close watch on fire danger indicators.
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Fire officials say Idaho has ‘greater potential’ for significant wildfire season this summer
Idaho Capital Sun, 6-12-25
As hot, dry weather settles in, officials are predicting a greater than usual likelihood that Idaho will experience significant wildfires this summer.
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State of Idaho, federal government set aside money to boost firefighter pay following concerns
Both the state and federal government have taken steps to address widespread concern over pay for wildland firefighters.
In March, the Idaho Legislature’s budget committee approved $1 million in pay bonuses for state firefighters working for the Idaho Department of Lands.
That same month, the U.S. Department of Interior announced permanent pay increases for federal and tribal wildland firefighters.
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But even with steps taken to address pay and turnover, Idaho Department of Lands Director Dustin Miller still expressed concern with the levels of federal nonfirefighting staff and the ability to hire and retain mid- to upper-management level engine captains in Idaho.
“I am confident in the amount of resources we are going to have this year (at the state level, but) what is concerning is the support positions at the federal level,” Miller said in a phone interview Monday. “We have been told to expect the same level of initial attack resources from the U.S. Forest Service, but what is concerning is that many nonfire staff who pay critical roles in incident management teams have taken various voluntary departure options offered by the federal government.”
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Clearwater County students explore the forest at 62nd Annual Forestry Tour
Clearwater Tribune, 6-11-25
Over 70 sixth-grade students from Clearwater County took part in the 62nd Annual Sixth Grade Forestry Tour, held May 29–30, 2025. This long-standing tradition offered two full days of hands-on learning and outdoor adventure, beginning at Big Eddy Lodge and wrapping up with a visit to a working logging site.
Day one kicked off at Big Eddy, where students rotated through interactive stations led by natural resource professionals. Highlights included the University of Idaho College of Natural Resources’ logging simulator with Dr. Ryer Becker, a career exploration session with Bridgett Cafferty of the U.S. Forest Service, a forest economics game with Chris Gerhart and Jake Cafferty from the Idaho Department of Lands, wildlife identification with Idaho Fish & Game, tree genetics with Greg Dronen from the U.S. Forest Service Tree Nursery at Cherrylane and forest measurement with Brendan Byrne with PotlatchDeltic.
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The Billionaires, Corporations, and Families Who Really Own Idaho’s Land
KIDO Talk Radio, 67-25
Despite not being the largest state, Idaho's vast and diverse land is a treasure. From fertile plains to arid deserts, the Gem State is home to some of the world's most challenging geography. This unique landscape is a key reason why tourism is a vital contributor to the state's economy.
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Idaho is one of the country's largest geographical states and one of the fastest-growing states in the nation. Fortunately, we're also one of the least populated states, which means we have a lot of land for all Idahoans. Or do we? Have you ever wondered who owns the land in Idaho? We've looked at how much land is owned by the state, the federal government, and private citizens.
A quick look at the size of our great state courtesy of Wikipedia. Idaho is the 14th largest state in land area and the 13th least populated state in our nation. The Gem State consists of 83,570 square miles.
Idaho is one of the few states where the federal government owns more land than the state itself. The feds use the agencies such as the Bureau of Land Management and the US Forest Service to oversee our land.
These federal agencies determine whether or not our forests are correctly maintained. Idaho elected officials have lobbied for years to regain control of the grounds. They rightly believe our continued wildfires could be prevented if the state was allowed to maintain the forests.
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This week's meetings
Lewiston Tribune, 6-7-25
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Nez Perce County Commission
Time: 1:30 p.m. Monday
Place: Second floor of the Brammer Building, 1225 Idaho St., Lewiston
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Declaration of local disaster emergency resulting from the Hatwai Fire – action item.
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Lewiston City Council
Time: 6 p.m. Monday
Place: Second floor of Lewiston City Library, 411 D St.
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Cooperative agreement for mutual assistance between the city of Lewiston and state forester, Idaho Department of Lands, State of Idaho – action item.
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Back from the North!
Posted June 18, 2025
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The Teakean Crew has returned home from their assignment in Canada, bringing back new experiences, strengthened skills, and stories of cross-border collaboration. Working alongside our Canadian partners, they shared expertise, learned from one another, and stood shoulder to shoulder on the fireline.
Opportunities like this deepen our knowledge, strengthen partnerships, and remind us that wildland fire knows no borders—but neither does teamwork.
 Welcome home, Teakean. You made Idaho proud. Thanks for representing Idaho with grit, professionalism, and teamwork.
#IDLFire #WildlandFirefighters #TeakeanCrew #CrossBoundaryFire #ComingHomeSafe
Junior Wildland Firefighter Activity Book
Posted June 16, 2025
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Here’s a great way to introduce our young friends to wildland fire and celebrate National Wildland Firefighter Day-July 2nd !
#NWFFD #ItTakesAllOfUs
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