Idaho Department of Lands gives Idaho fire forecast

BOISE, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) —Every year the Idaho Department of Lands gives the Land Board of Commissioners a fire forecast on what the fire season may bring.

This year they expect an average to slightly above average fire season but there are certain things to look out for. Like the grass growth in some areas.

Josh Harvey, Bureau Chief-Fire Management “What I’m expecting is that it’s going to be a little bit of a slow start to fire season, but the potential is there for southern Idaho especially with the grass growth which really turns into a pretty high rate of spread if we get starts. So that could turn into some pretty severe fire danger there.”

While the fire season hasn’t officially started—the state has already seen a number of fires this year. Harvey says Idaho has recorded 50 fires to date.

The Idaho Department of Lands has its own fire staffing to protect endowment land and help with other fires as needed. They have 31 engines to staff, and they’ve hired 140 firefighters with more spots to fill.

Based on the outlook and start of the season they will bring on additional resources.

“We’ll be bringing on five additional contract engines and a type two initial attack crew to supplement our own firefighting resources across the state. We’ve also taken steps to secure a type one heavy helicopter. That brings a very high-capacity water delivery system to our aviation assets and then we’ll have the four single engine water scoopers and four single engine air tankers also available for fire across the state, “said Harvey.

IDL reminds those recreating on endowment or Idaho land to take the needed precautions to prevent fires. Don’t park on grass, put out campfires, don’t drag chains, know the weather, and report any fires you see immediately.

For more information including how to become a firefighter with the Idaho Department of Lands can be found here.

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