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Posted on August 9, 2022 | updated: July 6, 2023

Op Ed: Investment in Firefighting Capacity Crucial for Stopping Wildfires

By: Dustin Miller, Idaho Department of Lands Director

Fire season is ever-present on Idaho’s seasonal calendar. Last summer’s fires arrived with clockwork precision.

In July, a dry thunderstorm, akin to the storm that helped ignite 1910’s Big Burn, rolled across Idaho, sparking wildfires. Some fires that may have been extinguished quickly burned unchecked because not enough firefighting resources were available.

Most experts agree extreme fire seasons are likely the new norm. Alongside this increased fire risk, Idaho is growing with more people living near and recreating on forests and rangelands. Unfortunately, with growth comes even more unwanted human-caused wildfires.

Responding quickly and extinguishing wildfires before they spread is more important than ever before.

In 2018 the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) commissioned an analysis to better understand the investment needed to modernize Idaho’s fire preparedness program. The goals: becoming more self-reliant, resilient, and able to respond to severe fire seasons more effectively. The Star Fire analysis, completed in 2020, recommended Idaho invest $2.8 million more in preparedness resources. These findings led IDL to propose additional ground resources, including additional fireline leadership, engine bosses, seasonal firefighters, and equipment.

Governor Little is leading Idaho in the right direction by recommending a 21% general fund increase for modernizing IDL’s firefighting capabilities. Coupled with recent cross-boundary initiatives to tackle much needed forest thinning on federal and private lands, investments in IDL’s firefighting program will help ensure a safer Idaho.

Consider what’s at risk if we do not increase and modernize our wildland firefighting capacity. IDL’s ability to respond quickly to wildfire on the 6.3 million acres we protect will lose ground. Significant investment in reforestation efforts could go up in smoke, and recreational access to endowment lands could be limited.

By grace and hard work by IDL’s employees, Idaho’s timber protective associations, local fire districts, our federal partners, the forest products industry and many more, we stopped 2021 from becoming the next 1910. Governor Little’s FY2023 budget recommendation for modernizing and building firefighting capacity will help us better protect Idahoans and our valuable natural resources from devastating wildfires.

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IDL fire burn permits not required after Oct. 20

(Boise) – State burn permits from the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) are no longer required for burning activities outside of city limits beginning Oct. 21, but citizens are still encouraged to voluntarily obtain the free permits when burning this Fall.

A state burn permit from IDL is required for any burning (excluding recreational campfires) outside of city limits during closed fire season, from May 10 through Oct. 20.

While state permits will not be required after the 20th, local fire departments, Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and/or tribal authorities should be contacted before burning to determine if other permits are required or if local restrictions are in place.

“Obtaining a free burn permit outside of the closed fire season helps local authorities quickly identify whether reports of smoke are due to intentional debris burning or unintentional late-season wildfires,” said Idaho Department of Lands Director Dustin Miller. “IDL’s free online burn permit application also helps citizens identify local restrictions that may still be in effect.”

Humans, not lightning, caused nearly 61% of the wildfires this year on lands protected by the Idaho Department of Lands, accounting for nearly 13,000 acres burned. Many of these fires were preventable as they were ignited by escaped debris burning and campfires.

“While we will no longer be in closed fire season, there is still a risk of fire,” said Miller. “We all need to do our part, using common sense and caution when burning yard waste, slash, or having a campfire when hunting.”

Please use caution whenever burning by following these steps:
• Check for required permits. Don’t forget to check with local fire departments, DEQ, and/or tribal authorities.
• Be prepared. Keep water, a shovel and other resources on hand to prevent the fire from spreading.
• Check weather conditions. Do not burn when it is windy or when there is a chance weather conditions may change during burning.
• Look up. Choose a safe site for burning- away from power lines, overhanging limbs, buildings, vehicles, and equipment.
• Look around. The burn site should be free from any other combustible materials and dry vegetation.
• Keep your pile at a manageable size. Add additional debris slowly as the pile burns down.
• Completely extinguish. If it is too hot to touch with an ungloved hand, it is too hot to leave. Drown, stir, repeat until dead out and cool to the touch.
• Check the burn area regularly, especially if the weather is warm, dry, and/or windy.

While burn permits are not required after Oct. 20, IDL encourages those who plan to burn to complete the online form as it helps inform fire managers where burning activities are occurring, reducing the number of false runs to fires and saving firefighting resources for instances in which they are truly needed. The permit is free and can be obtained online at burnpermits.idaho.gov or in person at IDL offices statewide.

Endowment land exchange approval creates larger ownership area

More timber sale revenue and a larger block of endowment land ownership comes with the exchange of endowment land for private land in North Central Idaho. See and download a picture of the future endowment land and a map of how the exchange will create a bigger block of continuous endowment land ownership.

In February 2020, the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) received an application for a land exchange from the Lodge at Lolo Creek, LLC. The proposal was to exchange 629 acres of land the lodge owns near Weippe in Clearwater County for 568 acres of endowment land located 9 miles to the south in Idaho County. The State Board of Land Commissioners approved the exchange at this week’s Land Board meeting.

What endowment land is being exchanged? The endowment beneficiary in this case is Charitable Institutions and the land is primarily Douglas-fir and ponderosa pine. The land is not part of a larger block of endowment land.

What is the private land? The land consists of 629 contiguous acres located in
Clearwater County. It is comprised mainly of grand fir, Douglas-fir, and lodgepole pine.
What was done to make this a beneficial land exchange? Appraisals were completed by Gem Valley Appraisal Services. The appraisal showed the endowment land to be worth $1,012,000. The appraised value for the other property is $1,039,250.

Benefits of the exchange: The exchange will expand continuous endowment land acreage by replacing the remotely located, isolated endowment land with a parcel that blocks up a large area. This leads to increased management efficiency and better all-around access options to the existing endowment lands.

The exchanged land is also closer to lumber mills. Closer proximity to mills provides
lower haul costs, which increase timber revenues versus land with a longer haul.
The value of the exchanged property is $27,250 higher than the value of the endowment land. The owner intends to donate the difference in land values to the endowment beneficiary. The land exchange transaction will be closed in about a month.

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CONTACT: Robbie Johnson, Public Information Officer, Idaho Department of Lands
208-334-0236/ 208-908-1786
rjohnson@idl.idaho.gov

Governor greets guard members helping with wildfires; Black Hawk gets pink makeover

(Lewiston) – Amid extreme drought, excessive heat, multiple fire starts and dwindling firefighting resources regionwide, Governor Brad Little issued an emergency declaration for wildfire this month and mobilized Idaho National Guard firefighters and aircraft to assist in the effort. Two Idaho National Guard Black Hawk helicopters along with crews, support personnel and other equipment were in Lewiston, Idaho Tuesday.

Part of aircraft preparedness is to be sure the olive drab helicopters can be seen from the ground as well as from the air so they are painted in pink markings. The crews were greeted by Governor Little at Lewiston’s Hillcrest Aircraft Company Tuesday. See broadcast-quality video and images here: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/os2gy1ih0nm3lor/AAD7w-vgtYio6W70BnzN7Uvua?dl=0

“It is our honor to be up here helping out,” said 1st Lt. Lucas Glauser, officer in charge of Idaho Army Aviation fire operations. “I don’t know a single person who isn’t excited about getting this opportunity.”

So far the Idaho National Guard Black Hawk crews have been assisting primarily with the Cougar Rock and Snake River complexes. To date, they have dropped nearly 140,000 gallons of water on fires throughout the region.

“Wildfire is presenting an imminent threat to life, property, and the environment,” Gov. Little said. “I appreciate our firefighters and fire managers for working so hard under such challenging conditions, and I am grateful that the Guard is able to step in to support Idaho communities.”

It is the first time the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) has requested the governor issue an emergency declaration to make Idaho National Guard resources available for fighting wildfire on the 6.2 million acres of land where IDL provides fire protection.

The latest fire information can be found on the IDL Fire News Feed. There are Stage II fire restrictions in place. Please visit the website IDL Fire Restriction Finder for current information.

CONTACT:

Robbie Johnson
Idaho Department of Lands
rjohnson@idl.idaho.gov
208 908-1786

About IDL Fire: Idaho Department of Lands Fire Management (IDL Fire) in partnership with two Timber Protection Associations and with the support of rural volunteer fire departments and other partners, are responsible for fire suppression and prevention on more than 6 million acres of state and private forests and rangelands in Idaho. IDL Fire focuses on initial attack with the goal of keeping fires at 10 acres or less. IDL Fire protects and preserves important endowment timber assets that help fund Idaho schools and other beneficiaries, as well as millions of acres of private forestland.

Find the latest IDL Fire updates on our website-based IDL Fire News Feed and on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

“Donations to the Fireline” helps public donate supplies directly to wildland firefighters

(Boise) – Calls continue to come in from Idahoans and businesses who want to help wildland firefighters during this time of unprecedented heat and fire conditions. But some donations that are brought to various offices or fire camps, such as food, are not suitable for use by fire crews. The Idaho Department of Lands has developed a new webpage called Donations to the Fireline which shares what donations are most needed, and how to get those donations in the hands of firefighters and support crews.

What is needed

Pallet-quantities of water
Pallet-quantities of sports drinks with electrolytes
Use of a refrigerator truck or trailer

Where it is needed
Coeur d’Alene Interagency Fire Cache
3328 W. Industrial Loop
Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815

How to donate
Fill out the Donations to the Fireline online donation form and submit. The form will be delivered to the Idaho Department of Lands Fire Procurement team, and one of our teammates will contact you. Or you can call (208) 334-0294.

Why the Fire Cache: The Cache is designed for stocking and maintaining wildland firefighting equipment and supplies and is equipped to take in donations and get the supplies directly to wildfire crews.

Why pallet size: A typical pallet will hold about 80 cases of water. It is logistically easier for this quantity to be donated and dropped off at the Fire Cache rather than a few cases at a time. Individuals who are not able to donate a pallet of water/drinks: People can work with churches, clubs or service organizations or businesses to organize water and sports drink drives to collect pallet-level quantities of these products. Logistically, it will be very helpful to deliver the items to the Fire Cache, as truck drivers are in short supply for collecting items. Cache staff can provide pallets and stretch wrap for packaging the items when they arrive at the Cache.

Refrigerator trucks: We need refrigerator trucks to pick up ice in the Coeur d’Alene area and deliver it to fire camps and to deliver existing fresh food stocks to catering firms that prepare meals for firefighters at fire camps.

“We are seeing Idahoans work together to help firefighters through donations, and I thank them for being part of the solution for getting more water, sports drinks, and refrigeration where it is needed,” said Idaho State Controller Brandon Woolf. “Donations to the Fireline will give communities the support they need to organize donation efforts, which are so appreciated during this extraordinary fire season.”

Thanks also goes to the Coeur d’Alene Costco and the Walmart in Hayden, Idaho for their water donations this season.

If you live outside of the Coeur d’Alene area or are unable to partner with a local organization: Monetary donations can be made to the Wildland Firefighter Foundation. The foundation helps families of firefighters killed in the line of duty and assists injured firefighters and their families. They assist state, local, and federal firefighters, contract firefighters, and volunteers from rural communities and towns across the United States. Donations are tax deductible and can be made online by visiting https://wffoundation.org.

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CONTACT:
Robbie Johnson
Idaho Department of Lands
(208) 908-1786
rjohnson@idl.idaho.gov

About IDL Fire: Idaho Department of Lands Fire Management (IDL Fire) in partnership with two Timber Protection Associations and with the support of rural volunteer fire departments and other partners, are responsible for fire suppression and prevention on more than 6 million acres of state and private forests and rangelands in Idaho. IDL Fire focuses on initial attack with the goal of keeping fires at 10 acres or less. IDL Fire protects and preserves important endowment timber assets that help fund Idaho schools and other beneficiaries, as well as millions of acres of private forestland.

New Fire Restrictions Finder now online

(Boise) – The public’s participation in preventing human-caused wildfires is critical during the current extreme fire conditions which are in some cases exceeding all-time maximum levels in Idaho. To help make it easy to find fire restricted areas, the Idaho Department of Lands has launched a new online resource called the Fire Restrictions Finder.

“The Fire Restrictions Finder is a mapping tool that is smartphone and computer friendly so you can plan activities accordingly,” said Idaho Department of Lands Director Dustin Miller. “We are doing everything we can to support getting this information to the public because we need the people of Idaho to take extra steps to prevent accidental fires right now. Even if that means changing your recreation plans for the sake of reducing wildfire risk.”

Fire restrictions are meant to prevent human-caused wildfires. Restrictions can be declared in a portion of the state, or in multiple areas. The decision to enforce fire restrictions comes as very high or extreme fire danger is predicted to persist and resources are stretched thin with multiple fires occurring in Idaho.

Local state and federal agencies come together to follow established, statewide-approved guidelines for implementing fire restrictions in their geographic areas. Fire restrictions are implemented in accordance with the criteria established in the 2021 Idaho Fire Restrictions Plan.

Find the latest IDL Fire updates on our website-based IDL Fire News Feed and on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

CONTACT:
Robbie Johnson
208-908-1786, rjohnson@idl.idaho.gov

Idaho Governor, Controller visit Leland Complex, assure residents that despite limited resources, fire managers are making progress

(Boise) – Governor Brad Little and State Controller Brandon Woolf met with Idaho Department of Lands fire managers to see firsthand a situation that is being repeated around the west: Fire teams stretched thin but working to make the most of available resources during a season with unprecedented fire conditions. The Governor and Controller visited the Leland Complex Incident Command Post at Deary High School in Deary, Idaho today.

At last update, the largest fire in the complex, the Sand Mountain Fire, is 1250 acres and 0% contained. The other large fire is the Pine Creek Fire, which is just east of Juliaetta at 542 acres and is 90% contained. Find fire updates with our IDL Fire News Feed.

Managing these fires together helps make the most of wildfire fighting resources. Another tool to preserve resources is the use of unmanned aerial systems (UAS). Infrared readings are taken from the air to locate areas of heat. This greatly increases the efficiency of firefighting tactics.

“Using drones gives crews a huge advantage against wildfires,” said Governor Little. “By using very targeted tactics, fires are easier to manage without the expense and safety risks surrounding manned aircraft, and it frees up those resources for other purposes.”

Governor Little and Controller Woolf extended their thanks to the agencies helping on the Leland Complex: the Idaho Department of Lands, Nez Perce Tribe, USDA Forest Service, Latah County Sheriff’s Office, Nez Perce County Sheriff’s Office, Nez Perce County Fire Department, Potlatch Volunteer Fire Department (VFD), Troy VFD, Deary VFD, Moscow VFD, Juliaetta VFD, Kendrick VFD, Genesee VFD, and the South Idaho Timber Protection Association.

“These partners are essential in our efforts to attack fires quickly, keep firefighters safe, and reduce the chances of large-scale mega-fires,” Controller Woolf said. “They are even more important this year as we work with limited resources. The State of Idaho appreciates their service.”

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Robbie Johnson
Idaho Department of Lands Public Information Officer
208-908-1786, rjohnson@idl.idaho.gov

Interagency Fire Cache issues urgent call for help

(Coeur d’Alene, Idaho) –The Coeur d’Alene Interagency Fire Cache is designed for stocking and maintaining wildland firefighting equipment and supplies. Wildfires in Idaho and the region are depleting resources and there is an urgent need for workers to refurbish firefighting equipment from recent events. Job duties include washing hose, boxing up supplies, loading and offloading trucks, pressure-testing water handling equipment and much more. Driving positions are also available.

There are 10 open positions for truck drivers (CDL not required) and 20 openings for warehouse workers. These positions will remain open until filled. These are temporary positions located in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho next to the IDL offices at 3284 W. Industrial Loop.

“We want to thank those who have answered the call for extra help. We already have 15 drivers and 8 warehouse workers hired as part of this effort,” said Idaho Department of Lands Director Dustin Miller. “This is one way people can support our crews on the fire line during this unprecedented fire season.”
Currently, hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., 6 days a week, with one scheduled day off per week, at $16.76 an hour. Positions are overtime eligible. Experience driving a forklift is welcomed and applicants need a driver’s license. Wildland firefighting qualifications are not required.

Apply today by emailing your resume to careers@idl.idaho.gov. Or visit the Idaho Department of Lands Jobs Page.

Idaho Department of Lands Fire Update

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 12, 2021, 4:00 pm (MT)

Idaho Department of Lands Fire Update 7-12-21

(Boise) – Lightning storms with multiple strikes have resulted in fires in north and north central Idaho. Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) and Timber Protection Association firefighters are fighting numerous fires. This is an update on fires being handled by IDL and CPTPA.

Clearwater-Potlatch Timber Protective Association (CPTPA) had two new Initial Attack fires yesterday evening. One was under the temporary flight restriction put in place by Northern Rockies Team 6 Type 2 IMT. They facilitated initial attack for the fire and CPTPA resources assisted.

Canada Hill Fire

This 18-acre fire started in the City of Orofino and burned into the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI). At one point the fire threatened 75 structures, but they are no longer threatened. The fire was stopped, and control lines were constructed last night with the help of 23 aircraft, 7 engines, 2- Type 2 hand crews, and 1 private dozer. Today, 2 hand crews and 2 engines are on scene mopping up.

Johnson Creek Fire- Clearwater-Potlatch Timber Protective Association (CPTPA)

A reconnaissance flight has determined this fire is currently 240 acres. The Johnson Creek fire is located northeast of Elk River. A Type 3 Incident Commander and engine module is working the fire. Preparations for protecting the communication site has been completed. And crews are improving access to the fire.

Armstrong Fire– Clearwater-Potlatch Timber Protective Association (CPTPA)

The Armstrong Fire is near Butte, west of Headquarters and the town of Pierce. It is currently burning at 60 acres. Fire crews have been able to put a fireline around much of the fire despite the steep terrain and lack of resources. There is currently a dozer and a 5-person crew on site.

Too Kush 2 – IDL Maggie Creek Forest Protective District

This fire is located about 2 miles east of Kooskia grew to 1,150 acres, but growth is due to burnout acres within our containment lines. Today fire will increase to approximately 1300 acres when the burnout on the east flank is completed. The plan is to keep the fire to 1300 acres and mop-up the perimeter for 100 feet. Fire crews are mopping up along the top and down the west flank to secure the fire edge. The fire is being managed by a Type 3 Incident Commander with 58 people working on the fire including: 2-Type 1 helicopters, 2 dozers, 6-Type 6 engines, 2 -Type 4 engine and a water tender. Eastern Gold Type 2 IMT will take the fire over Tuesday morning.

Big Horse Fire – IDL Maggie Creek Forest Protective District

The Big Horse Fire has been held at about 40 acres and crews continue to mop-up and hold the fire edge. Fire is now being managed by a Type 4 Incident Commander. Eastern Gold Type 2 IMT will also manage this fire. It is burning at the top end of Big Horse Canyon near Kooskia, on very steep terrain in timber on the edge of agricultural land. There are currently 43 personnel working on the fire which includes hand crews.

Fire resources are spread thin, and with the threat of additional lightning storms throughout the week across the state, drought conditions, and High to Extremely High Fire conditions throughout the state, many regions are considering fire restrictions. Recreation has risks during extreme fire conditions. We ask that the public avoid any outdoor activity that could spark a human-caused fire.

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#IDLfireinfo

Find the latest IDL Fire updates on our website-based IDL Fire News Feed and on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

CONTACT:

Sharla Arledge

208-334-0233, fireinformation@idl.idaho.gov