Little declares fire disaster emergency

BOISE — Governor Brad Little signed a disaster emergency declaration Tuesday to support ongoing wildfire suppression efforts in parts of Idaho as extreme fire conditions continue to threaten communities, firefighters, and natural resources across the state.

The declaration follows prolonged hot, dry weather, severe drought, and increased wildfire activity that have strained fire suppression resources statewide.

The emergency declaration authorizes the use of additional state resources to support firefighting efforts in areas impacted by the Big Grass Fire actively burning in Owyhee County as well as wildfire monitoring, response, and recovery efforts for the now-contained Turner Fire in Boundary County. It applies to all lands under protection and jurisdiction of the Idaho Department of Lands forest protective districts and timber protective associations.

In addition, Little authorized the deployment of Idaho National Guard resources to assist with wildfire response efforts on the Big Grass Fire in Owyhee County, providing additional equipment and personnel to support firefighting operations.

"Idaho's brave firefighters are working around the clock to protect lives, homes, and communities under extremely challenging conditions. My declaration taps into additional state resources and enables us to deploy the Idaho National Guard to support firefighting efforts and protect Idahoans,” Little said.

The Idaho National Guard is responding to assist IDL firefighters across Idaho, Maj. Gen. Tim Donnellan, adjutant general of Idaho, said.

"Our unique dual state and federal mission ensures we are ready to provide critical capabilities in support of our fellow Idahoans by strengthening wildfire response efforts when our state needs us most," he added. "As this year's wildfire season becomes more demanding, the Idaho National Guard is honored to serve alongside our local, state and federal partners to help protect lives, property and communities across Idaho."

IDL officials said the state is entering a critical period of the 2026 fire season. 

"Prolonged drought, below-normal snowpack in portions of the state, early snowmelt, persistent heat, and limited precipitation have accelerated the drying of grasses, brush, and timber, increasing the potential for new starts and rapid fire growth," they said in a press release.

As of Wednesday, 530 fires have burned 138,812 acres in the state across all wildland fire jurisdictions. IDL reports 135 fires and 4,447 acres; Bureau of Land Management reports 158 fires and 111,625 acres; and the U.S. Forest Service, 131 fires and 4,026 acres.

Little's declaration notes that unusually hot and dry weather, severe drought conditions, dry lightning, and human-caused ignitions have created extreme wildfire conditions across much of the state. Extended weather forecasts indicate those conditions are expected to persist in the coming weeks.