2023 Idaho wildfires


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 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.

Background

While the "fire season" in Idaho varies every year based on fire weather conditions, most wildfires occur from June to September. 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.

Summary

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.
Although acreage was low, of the 284 wildfires reported statewide in 2023, 206 were attributed to human causes, versus 78 by lightning. Fire suppression costs were substantial, the Idaho Department of Lands reported $15.76 million spent by late August, with net obligations of $13.53 million. Within the Idaho Department of Lands protected lands by August 28, 2023, wildfires consumed 80,956 acres. Human-caused fires heavily outnumbered natural ignitions; officials noted that neglected campfires, debris burning, or other human activities were major contributors.

List of wildfires

The following is a list of fires that burned more than, or produced significant structural damage or casualties.
NameCountyAcresStart dateContainment dateNotesRef
Little BearIdaho1,2913 7 2023Lightning-caused. Burned west of Powell.
SouthtomAda1,13010 7 202310 7 2023Burned south of Boise Airport.
HaydenLemhi24,70619 7 2023Undetermined cause. Burned in Salmon-Challis National Forest.
ElkhornIdaho26,04824 7 2023Caused by an improperly extinguished campfire that rekindled. Destroyed several structures in Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness.
Ridge CreekKootenai4,4743 8 202326 9 2023Undetermined cause. Prompted evacuations and closed Lake Hayden.
EastValley3,31316 8 2023Undetermined cause. Burned east of Cascade.
Black MountainTwin Falls1,31220 8 2023Lightning-caused. Burned southeast of Twin Falls.
Big CreekFranklin2,98026 8 20232 11 2023Lightning-caused. southwest of Montpelier.
TelegraphLincoln2,00029 8 202330 8 2023Burned north of Shoshone.
WedgeBlaine7,3759 9 202310 9 2023Caused by a vehicle dragging an object on State Route 75.