Idaho’s wildfire suppression efforts have already cost the state more than $20 million this year, with officials warning that conditions are expected to deteriorate through the summer fire season.

The Idaho Department of Lands has deployed resources across more than 60,000 acres burned on state, federal, and private land statewide. About 4,000 of those acres sit on state endowment land. While the state expects to recover roughly $5.7 million in reimbursements from other fire agencies, the net cost to Idaho taxpayers stands at approximately $15 million so far.

The most visible fire in the state is the Claremont Fire in the Boise foothills, which has consumed 6,800 acres and is approximately 85% contained. Wildfires continue to be predominantly human-caused.

The spending pace has put pressure on state finances. The wildfire suppression balance reached zero last month, forcing lawmakers to approve a $32.8 million cash transfer to the account when the new fiscal year began July 1. That money will not last indefinitely if current conditions persist.

“Looking ahead, fire conditions are expected to become more challenging as we continue on through (the) fire season,” said Dustin Miller, director of the Idaho Department of Lands.

Persistent drought has elevated fire risk across much of Idaho. Northern and southern regions are already seeing above-normal fire danger, and state officials expect the entire state to face similar conditions by August.

State Proposes New Assessment on Forest Landowners

To stabilize funding and reduce reliance on emergency legislative appropriations, the State Board of Land Commissioners is considering an increase to the Forest Fire Protection surcharge paid by forest landowners.

The current assessment stands at 60 cents per acre on properties of at least 25 acres, with a $40 surcharge applied to residential structures. That rate has remained unchanged since 2009.

State Forester Julia Lauch recommended raising the surcharge to $90 per qualifying parcel. The recommendation aligns with House Bill 511, passed during the 2024 legislative session, which allows the surcharge to reach as high as $100 per parcel under state law.

“This provides a level of dedicated funding necessary to stabilize the dedicated fund and reduce the program’s dependence on the fluctuations of general fund appropriations,” Lauch said.

The State Board of Land Commissioners voted Tuesday to postpone a final decision on the new surcharge amount. The board will revisit the proposal at its August meeting, allowing additional time for public input and deliberation.

The timing reflects the board’s effort to balance the state’s fiscal pressures against the concerns of forest property owners. Increased assessments would raise costs for landowners statewide, particularly those managing large tracts of timber and other forest resources.

Federal forest management efforts also factor into the state’s wildfire response. The U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management control significant acreage in Idaho, and coordination between state and federal agencies shapes overall suppression strategy and resource allocation. Federal forest agency efforts to expand logging authorization across Montana and North Idaho reflect ongoing debates about forest health and fire prevention approaches.

Officials stress that the elevated fire risk is expected to persist through summer. Landowners and residents are urged to maintain defensible space around structures and follow local fire restrictions.