Idaho Department of Lands

09/14/2026

FINAL UPDATE: WILDHORSE FIRE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 14, 2026, 12:30 PM MT

(Sweet) – Control of Wildhorse Fire South of Sweet in Gem County

Thanks to the efforts of responding fire crews, the Wildhorse Fire is in controlled status. Monitoring will continue throughout the week, but suppression resources were released late Sunday night.

The fire is mapped at 150 acres. Containment was gained at 8 pm on Sunday night with control following shortly afterwards.

Responding and cooperating agencies include Gem County Fire District No. 2, the Idaho Department of Lands, and the Bureau of Land Management.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

This will be the final update on this incident.

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Find the latest IDL Fire updates on our website-based IDL Fire News Feed and on Facebook, and LinkedIn.

MEDIA CONTACT:
PIO Name: Kat Strother
208-334-0233
[email protected]

09/13/2026

WILDHORSE FIRE INCIDENT UPDATE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 13, 2026, 5:45 PM MT

(Sweet) - The Wildhorse Fire was reported just south of Sweet in Gem County, Idaho, at approximately 1:45 p.m. The fire is currently estimated at approximately 150 acres with estimated containment by 8 PM and control by midnight.

Responding and cooperating agencies include Gem County Fire District No. 2, the Idaho Department of Lands, and the Bureau of Land Management. Firefighting resources include four engines. Retardant has been dropped to assist with suppression efforts.

All aircraft assigned to the incident have been released for the evening. Ground crews will continue firefighting operations as conditions allow.

The Gem County Sheriff's Office will coordinate evacuation operations if evacuations become necessary.

Residents in the affected area are encouraged to remain alert to changing conditions and monitor official emergency notifications for potential evacuations or other protective actions.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.

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Find the latest IDL Fire updates on our website-based IDL Fire News Feed and on Facebook, and LinkedIn.

MEDIA CONTACT:
PIO Name: Kat Strother
208-334-0233
[email protected]

09/13/2026

WILDHORSE FIRE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 12, 2026, 2:30 PT/MT

(Sweet) – Wildfire Reported South of Sweet in Gem County

Fire crews are responding to a wildfire reported just south of Sweet in Gem County. The fire was reported at approximately 1:45 p.m. Sunday and is currently estimated at 50 to 60 acres.
The fire is actively pushing north and west in Gem County.

Responding and cooperating agencies include Gem County Fire District No. 2, the Idaho Department of Lands, and the Bureau of Land Management. Current firefighting resources responding to the incident include four engines and one dozer. Air Attack is also en route to assist with the firefighting effort.

The Gem County Sheriff’s Office will be responsible for evacuation operations should evacuations become necessary.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

Residents in the affected area are encouraged to remain alert to changing conditions and monitor official emergency notifications for information regarding potential evacuations or other protective actions.
Additional information will be released as it becomes available.

,

# # #

Find the latest IDL Fire updates on our website-based IDL Fire News Feed and on Facebook, and LinkedIn.

MEDIA CONTACT:
PIO Name: Kat Strother
208-334-0233
[email protected]

Find all IDL fire updates at www.idl.idaho.gov/fire

09/11/2026

🔥 Fire Prevention Friday: Know Before You Light! 🔥
Fire restrictions may be lifted across Idaho, but wildfire season isn’t over yet — and burn permits are still required through October 20.

Even with restrictions lifted, not every type of burn is currently being permitted. Conditions, available firefighting resources and local requirements can affect what you are allowed to burn.
✅ Check whether you need a burn permit- campfires don't need permits in Idaho
✅ Make sure the burn type is currently being permitted- have your active permit BEFORE ignition
✅ Check for any additional local requirements or restrictions
✅ Have the tools and water you need to keep your fire under control
✅ Never leave your fire unattended
✅ Drown, stir, drown again — until it’s cold to the touch

A lifted fire restriction does not mean every burn is automatically OK.
🔥 Know before you light. Check first. Prevent a wildfire start.
👉 Get a free burn permit www.burnpermits.idaho.gov

Do your part. Prevent a wildfire start.
Fire Prevention Jen
U.S. Wildland Fire Service Great Basin

09/09/2026

IDL is evaluating a mineral lease opportunity on a parcel of endowment land along Warren Wagon Road in Valley County.

The lease site has been an operating gravel pit for 40 years and is adjacent to another active, existing gravel pit operated by Idaho Transportation Department.

The mineral lease would allow basalt extraction and generate revenue for the State’s endowment beneficiaries, most prominently public schools.

For more information and to provide comments, go to https://loom.ly/-qtehGU

Overview The Idaho Department of Lands is evaluating a mineral lease opportunity consisting of approximately 8-acres of surface disturbance on an

09/09/2026

IDL trails near the Silver Fire have reopened. They were temporarily closed for public and firefighter safety.

Thank you to the firefighters who have worked so diligently on this fire.

🌲Silver Fire Trail Closures Update🌲
Several trail closures that provided for public and firefighter safety on the Silver Fire have been lifted. These popular recreation trails were reopened as soon as fire managers and agency leadership felt it was safe to do so. To the east of the fire, the Roman Nose Lakes ( #165), Bottleneck Lake ( #187), and Snow Lake ( #185) Trails have reopened. On the west side of the fire, the Idaho Department of Lands has reopened the Chimney Rock and Mount Roothaan Trailhead (IDL Road 25) and Hunt Lake, Fault Lake, Gunsight Peak Trailhead (IDL Road 241).

Closures in the Pack River Corridor remain in place for now, as suppression operations wrap up and transition to a Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) assessment. Burned areas, especially from recent or current fire, can be extremely hazardous. Please continue to avoid the fire area. See attached map for the current closures.

Boundary County Emergency Management, PIO Bonner County Emergency Management

09/04/2026

🔥 Fire Prevention Friday: Restrictions May Be Over — But Wildfire Season Isn’t
Fire restrictions have been lifted across Idaho, but that does not mean wildfire season is over. 🍂🔥

As the holiday weekend begins and hunting season gets underway, many of us will be spending more time outdoors. Campfires and warming fires are an important part of those cold mornings and evenings.
Before you strike that match, remember:

🪵 Choose your fire location carefully. Keep fires well away from grass, brush, logs, tents and other flammable materials.
💧 Always have water and a tool nearby. Don’t start a fire unless you have what you need to put it out.
🔥 Keep your fire small and manageable. Wind can quickly turn a warming fire or campfire into an escaped wildfire.
👀 Never leave your fire unattended. If you leave camp, the fire should be completely out.
💦 Drown, stir, and feel. Soak the fire with water, stir the ashes and coals, and continue adding water until everything is cold to the touch.
🚫 If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave.

Fire restrictions are lifted because conditions have improved — but Idaho’s forests and rangelands can still burn. A little extra care can keep your recreation and hunting camp from becoming a wildfire start.

Enjoy the hunt. Enjoy the outdoors. And leave your fire DEAD OUT.

Fire Prevention Jen 🔥
U.S. Wildland Fire Service Great Basin

09/03/2026

IMPORTANT: TEMPORARY TRAIL CLOSURE NOTICE – IDAHO CITY AREA

If you are planning to recreate in the Idaho City area, please be aware of closures associated with the Crooked Fire.

For public and firefighter safety, Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) has temporarily closed and posted seven trails due to the Crooked Fire near Idaho City. IDL's closures are in conjunction with the U.S. Forest Service closures.

These are the seven temporarily closed trails:

🔹 664 – Kevin’s Hand

🔹 110 – Chuck Wells

🔹 594 – Bannock Loop

🔹 660 – North Fork of Thorn

🔹 692 – Pegs Leg

🔹 694 – Granite Creek

🔹 123 – Easter Creek

The closures apply to motorized and non-motorized public use, including vehicles, motorcycles, ATVs/UTVs, bicycles, hikers, horseback riders, and other recreational users.

The IDL trail closures will remain in place until the USFS lifts its fire-related closure.

🚫 Please do not enter closed areas or bypass posted closure signs. Giving firefighters the room they need is critical to yours and their safety and allows them to focus on protecting our communities, property, and public lands.

For questions regarding these trail closures, please call 208-334-0282.

08/28/2026

Incident Update: The Mile Marker 320 Fire at Highway 95 near Genessee, ID is now 250 acres and 10% contained. The fire is burning in steep, rugged terrain, which limits direct crew access in the drainage and incident command is relying heavily on aerial support.
As of this afternoon, the fire is holding on the north side of the drainage. Highway 95 remains open, though drivers should expect increased traffic in the area from firefighting equipment and personnel.
A total of 120 personnel are assigned to the incident, including 3 crews, 6 water tenders, 7 engines, and 2 scooper planes.
Public Safety:
• For evacuation information, follow the Nez Perce County Emergency Management page at https://facebook.com/NPCEmergencyManagement.
• Please avoid the area to allow firefighters and equipment to operate safely.
• Airspace is restricted while aircraft are providing support. Do not fly drones near the fire. Unauthorized drones can ground firefighting aircraft.



Find all IDL fire updates at www.idl.idaho.gov/fire

08/28/2026

Informational Hearing for Proposed Commercial Ground Lease Project Near Micron

Boise, Idaho - Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) is holding an informational hearing for a possible long-term lease on endowment trust land near Micron.

The proposed ground lease is the result of a prior Request for Proposals (RFP) issued by IDL, would be for more than 20 years, and would allow for industrial and commercial uses. The land to be leased is approximately 31.22 acres located at T02N-R02E-S01; T02N-R03E-S06, in Ada County.

The hearing will be held September 2, 2026, from 5-6 p.m. MT, giving people an opportunity to learn about the proposed project.

What: Informational Hearing

When: September 2, 2026

Time: 5-6 p.m. MT

Where: IDL Boise Bureau Office
300 N. 6th St., Suite 103
Boise, ID 83702

People will have the opportunity to share comments verbally or in writing.

Pursuant to the RFP, Adler Industrial, LLC was awarded the right to negotiate a lease with IDL for its proposal. However, Idaho’s constitution also requires IDL to use a competitive bidding process when awarding leases. If approved by the Land Board, the negotiated lease will be opened and advertised to the public at large. The winner of the RFP and any other parties qualified to bid are provided the same opportunity to compete at auction by offering a premium bid for the right to secure the lease.

Written comments submitted outside of the hearing must be mailed to and received by the Idaho Department of Lands, 300 N. 6th St., Suite 103, Boise, Idaho 83702, by September 14, 2026. Specific information regarding this hearing and lease may be requested from Kemp Smith via email ([email protected]) or by calling (208) 334-0202.

https://loom.ly/rznwq3c