Wildfires 2026

There were early signs that this fire season could be a big one, especially the record-low snowpack last winter. In Teton County — near the Grand Targhee Resort — that spurred interest in a novel effort: raising money to help hire a local wildfire mitigation coordinator.

Most evacuees have been allowed to return to their homes near burn zones in Spokane, despite concerns about lingering toxins.

Officials say the fire, which has now burned more than 15,000 acres and is zero percent contained, was human caused. Nearly 90,000 people have been told to evacuate or prepare to leave.

There's a lot homeowners can do to prepare for wildfires, such as managing flammable plants and using fire-resistant building materials. But some states struggle to pass rules requiring those steps.

Friends and family are sharing what they’ll miss about Chris Andersen and Miles Elliott. Their deaths have also further shaken the wildland fire community, which has lost a number of firefighters during the intense and ongoing season.

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.