Idaho fire fund could drop to $13M by 2026, Lands Director warns
A vehicle drives past the spreading River Fire Thursday, July 25, 2024, near Myrtle, Idaho, before U.S. Highway 12 was closed. Lightning strikes have sparked fast-moving wildfires in Idaho, prompting the evacuation of multiple communities. (August Frank/Lewiston Tribune via AP)
BOISE — The Idaho Department of Lands director told state budget writers Tuesday that there would be a significant challenge if the wildfire suppression fund isn’t replenished after a very active fire season.
Director Dustin Miller told members of the Joint Finance and Appropriation Committee that the state’s Fire Suppression Deficiency Fund, which in 2023 had been raised to total around $68 million, would dip to around $13 million in fiscal year 2026 if the governor’s budget recommendation of adding a total of $100 million to the account wasn’t taken.
There is about $35.8 million currently in the account; however, Miller said that it’s unclear exactly how much will be left after the state finishes cost-sharing payments and reimbursements with federal partners.
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