Wildfires 2026

Idaho and the Northwest are in the midst of an extreme wildfire season that is expected to remain active through the end of September. What are the effects of prolonged exposure to wildfire smoke on mental health?

It’s Friday, which means it's time for our Reporter Roundtable when Idaho Matters gets you up to date on all the news that made headlines this past week.

Unhealthy air, caused by smoke from wildfires in Oregon and Washington, is sending Idahoans to the emergency room.

The latest wildfire potential forecast shows all of Idaho, Oregon and Washington at above-average risk for significant wildfire through September. Above-average risk areas also included northern parts of Montana, Nevada, Utah and California.

Aaron Farinacci, a 37-year-old convicted felon, is accused of "knowingly and maliciously" causing the Old Trails Fire, the most destructive of the three blazes burning around Spokane, Washington.

Residents flee as more than 600 homes and buildings have burned in Spokane and a shooting kills three in Twin Falls.

The Tartar Fire has burned 138,271 acres and is now 41% contained as of 5:45 p.m. on Aug. 4.

There are at least three fires in and around the city. Large parts of Spokane are under Level 3 evacuation orders, which read: "Leave NOW! This may be your only notice."

Troy Oppie spoke with Michael Davis, public information officer with Great Basin Incident Management Team 3 on the Tartar Fire in Washington County.

Up to 17,678 Avista Utilities customers in North Idaho and the surrounding areas could be without power Saturday afternoon amid a high risk of wildfires.