Tartar

Fire Start, Size and Growth

Start Date/Time/Location: The Tartar Fire ignited on July 24, 2026, approximately 21 miles northwest of Weiser, Idaho, in Washington County. The fire originated east of the Snake River near McChord Butte.
Size and Containment: As of August 10, 2026, the fire has burned approximately 158,027 acres and is 89% contained.
Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread: The fire has been primarily fueled by two-foot brush, dry grass, and rangeland. During its peak, it maintained an aggressive growth rate, expanding by an average of roughly 9,296 acres per day. The fire has exhibited extreme behavior, including wind-driven runs, uphill runs, torching, and smoldering.
Containment Efforts: A Complex Incident Management Team (Southwest Team 1) is overseeing the response, directing over 616 personnel. Suppression efforts have driven the cost to an estimated $19.9 million, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) to help cover eligible firefighting costs. Firefighters have focused heavily on strengthening the perimeter around Weiser and the Highway 95 corridor.

Emergency Information

Evacuations and Sheltering:
Mandatory Evacuation Orders: Level 3 (Go Now) evacuation orders have been issued for areas including North of Olds Ferry Road; West of and including the Forest Service area around Hitt and Sturgill Mountains to Brownlee Reservoir from the Sturgill Drainage; North and West of Jenkins Creek Reservoir; and the Upper Jenkins Creek Road and Chicken Creek areas.
Evacuation Warnings: Level 2 (Get Set) evacuation warnings are in effect for the Weiser Flats area from Eaton to the Weiser City Limits, and from Olds Ferry to the Snake River.
Evacuation Shelters and Information: A Red Cross evacuation shelter is open at the Vendome Event Center (309 State Street) in Weiser. Large animals and livestock can be taken to the Weiser Valley Roundup Rodeo Grounds. Residents can check the Washington County Emergency Management maps for the latest zones.

Road and Infrastructure Closures:

• Highway 95 is closed from Midvale Hale (mile marker 94) to Park Street in Weiser.
• Vehicles are being allowed on Manns Creek Road, but traffic is expected to be very slow.

For more information, visit:

• Idaho Fire Info
• InciWeb - Incident Information System
• Washington County Emergency Management

Current Impact

Impacts:
Injuries and Fatalities: There are no reports of fatalities or severe injuries associated with the Tartar Fire at this time.
Structures Impacted: The fire destroyed a radio relay tower used by Weiser police and emergency services, requiring responders to temporarily switch to backup communications systems during evacuations.
Community Impact: The fire has devastated local agriculture, burning rangeland, destroying fences, and causing significant losses for multi-generational ranching families. It has also posed a threat to water and power infrastructure, the Weiser School District, and local businesses.

Safety Concerns:
Harassment of Firefighters: Crews had to be temporarily withdrawn from the Devil's Elbow area and other eastern sections of the fire after experiencing threats and harassment from the public, which forced a halt to some suppression work.
Air Quality: Smoke from the fire continues to impact McCall, Weiser, and Ontario. Residents are advised to check local conditions on AirNow and limit outdoor exposure if sensitive to smoke.
Burn Bans: A fire safety burn permit is required under Idaho law for any burning outside city limits statewide (excluding campfires) from May 10 to October 20.

Ongoing Outlook

Containment Projections: The fire is currently 89% contained. Firefighters continue to gain ground and are focusing on strengthening established firelines, mopping up hot spots, and patrolling the perimeter, particularly around the Highway 95 corridor and Weiser.
Weather and Wind Warnings: Temperatures are forecast to ease into the high 80s early next week but will remain above normal. Conditions remain dry, and crews are monitoring for periodic gusty winds that could challenge uncontained fire lines.

Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate

Cause: The Tartar Fire was ignited by natural causes (lightning strikes) on July 24, 2026.
Weather and Climate: The fire is burning during the peak of Idaho's typical fire season. Prolonged hot and dry conditions severely desiccated the rangeland, creating highly receptive fuels. High temperatures, critically low relative humidity, and periodic gusty winds have driven the fire's rapid spread and intensity over the past 17 days.

For more information, visit:

• Idaho Fire Info
• InciWeb - Incident Information System
• Washington County Emergency Management