Idaho Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Idaho - August 05, 2026

Overview

Idaho is experiencing an elevated and highly active fire risk due to prolonged hot temperatures, severe drought, and critically dry fuels across the state's rangelands and mountainous terrains. A dangerous heat wave has brought record-breaking temperatures, creating an environment highly conducive to the ignition and rapid spread of wildfires. In response to the extreme fire conditions, a disaster emergency declaration was signed this week, authorizing additional state resources and the deployment of the Idaho National Guard to assist with suppression efforts.

The current National Preparedness Level is 5, while the Northern Rockies and Great Basin regions are at Preparedness Level 3, indicating that national and regional firefighting resources are heavily committed.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: There are currently dozens of active fires across Idaho, with recent tracking indicating that large active fires have burned over 250,000 acres statewide. Significant wildland fire activity is occurring in multiple geographic areas, requiring state and national support to manage incident objectives. Firefighters are working around the clock to contain these fires while also preparing for potential new starts driven by dry lightning and breezy winds.

Key Fires:

• Big Grass Fire: Burning along the Oregon-Idaho border in Owyhee County, this massive lightning-caused fire is currently the highest priority in the region. It has burned approximately 343,338 acres and is 25% contained. Fueled primarily by rangeland grass and brush, the fire remains highly active and is threatening numerous structures, local ranches, and livestock. Level 3 "GO" evacuation orders remain in effect for Pleasant Valley, South Mountain, and Jordan Valley. Active livestock retrieval efforts are underway by local ranchers.
• Tartar Fire: Located near Weiser in Washington County, this fire has burned approximately 97,143 acres and is currently 16% contained. Fueled by extremely dry vegetation, timber, and understory brush, the fire presents a potential threat to private timberlands and critical infrastructure. Firefighters are actively engaged in suppression and structure protection.
• Big Rock Fire: Located east of Idaho Falls near the Snake River, this lightning-sparked fire has burned nearly 2,500 acres and is currently 0% contained. It is exhibiting extreme fire behavior in dry brush and grass, including a significant event over the weekend where the fire produced "fire devils"—spiraling towers of flame reaching over 100 feet into the air due to converging wind currents.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: Due to the extreme fire danger and high volume of active incidents, prescribed burning has been halted. The Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) has urged the public to follow all local fire restrictions and closures. Land management agencies are focusing on enforcing burn bans and advising residents to completely extinguish campfires and avoid any activities that generate sparks near dry vegetation, such as dragging trailer safety chains or parking vehicles on dry grass.
Air Quality: Wildfire smoke from fires in Idaho, as well as neighboring Washington and Oregon, is significantly impacting air quality across the state. Residents in affected areas should be aware of changing conditions, stay indoors when smoke is heavy, and use caution.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: A dangerous heat dome has settled over the region, bringing record-breaking temperatures and critically low humidity. This heat wave, combined with drying from past heat, is severely heightening wildfire risks and straining suppression efforts.
Forecasted Weather: The National Weather Service has issued Fire Weather Planning Forecasts and broad Red Flag Warnings for much of southern and eastern Idaho. Very hot temperatures are expected to persist through Thursday and Friday alongside single-digit afternoon relative humidity (5% to 15%). Elevated west to southwest winds are forecasted for Friday through the weekend, with afternoon gusts of 20 to 30 mph, and up to 40 to 45 mph in some higher elevations. This combination of strong winds, heat, and critically low humidity can lead to the rapid spread of fire and more intense fire behavior.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Residents are advised to be mindful of fire traffic, changing evacuation orders, and potential smoke impacts. It is crucial to have an emergency plan in place, adhere to Level 3 "GO" evacuation orders immediately when issued, and clear dead brush from properties to reduce the risk of catastrophic fires.
Resource Allocation: Firefighters are working under extremely challenging conditions. The disaster emergency declaration has tapped into additional state resources, including the Idaho National Guard, to provide critical capabilities, equipment, and personnel to support firefighting operations and protect communities.

Resources

For up-to-date emergency information, residents can visit:
National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC): www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn
Idaho Fire Info: www.idahofireinfo.com
Idaho Department of Lands: www.idl.idaho.gov

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.